Q:What does the parliamentary panel propose regarding the minimum age for contesting elections in India?
A: The parliamentary panel suggests reducing the minimum age required to run in national elections, particularly Assembly elections, from 25 to 18 years.
Q: How is the current minimum age requirement for standing in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections different from the voting age in India?
A: The current minimum age to stand for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections is 25 years, while the voting age is 18 years.
Q: What is the view of the Election Commission (EC) regarding the proposal to reduce the minimum age for contesting elections?
A: The Election Commission (EC) has resisted the proposal, arguing that it is "unrealistic" to expect individuals of such a young age to manage the responsibilities of public representation.
Q: What examples does the Parliamentary Standing Committee provide to support its recommendation to lower the minimum age for contesting elections?
A: The committee points to examples from the UK, Australia, and Canada, where the minimum age to contest any elected public office is 18, to show that young people can be reliable and responsible political participants.
Q: What does the committee recommend to bridge the gap between different generations in politics?
A: The committee suggests that younger candidates could bridge the gap between different generations, facilitate dialogue, and cooperation. It also proposes implementing civic education programs to provide young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for political engagement.
Q: What concern does the committee express about the representation of young voters in the political landscape?
A: The committee is concerned about the lack of representation of young voters in the political landscape. According to a report, only 2.2% of Lok Sabha MPs were under 30, despite India's median age being 27.9 years.
Q: How do most European countries set the minimum age for contesting national general elections?
A: Most European countries set the minimum age to contest national general elections at 18 years.
Q: What is the advice given by the Election Commission (EC) to the panel regarding the constitutional provision related to the minimum age for contesting elections?
A: The Election Commission advises the panel that unless compelling reasons exist to alter the constitutional provision, it should remain unchanged, especially concerning the age requirement for eligibility to contest for the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assemblies, and Legislative Councils.
Q: What is the conclusion reached by the Election Commission (EC) after studying the issue of lowering the minimum age for contesting elections?
A: The Election Commission (EC) concludes that it is unrealistic to expect 18-year-olds to possess the necessary experience and maturity to serve as public representatives.
