Context:
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced that the state will pass a resolution seeking constitutional amendment to reduce the minimum age to contest MLA elections from 25 to 21 years, thereby promoting youth participation in politics.
Key Highlights / Details:
- Resolution will be introduced in the Telangana Legislative Assembly.
- Aim: Encourage youth engagement in democracy.
- Present Constitutional Provision:
- Article 173(b) – Minimum age to contest State Legislature (MLA) is 25 years.
- Article 84(b) – Minimum age for Lok Sabha is 25 years.
- 21 years is current eligibility only for Panchayat and Municipal elections (73rd & 74th Amendments).
- Such change requires Constitutional Amendment under Article 368 by Parliament, not the state.
- Telangana resolution will be a recommendation, not legally binding.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Qualification for MLA: Article 173.
- Qualification for MP: Article 84.
- Amendment procedure: Article 368.
- Voting age reduced from 21 to 18 via 61st Constitutional Amendment, 1988.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Youth in governance and policy inclusion.
- Challenges of political representation and democratic participation.
- Debate: Age vs experience in leadership roles.