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Rajasthan Keeps Panchayat Polls Open to All, No Education Rule for Candidates

The Rajasthan government has officially stated it has no proposal to make educational qualifications mandatory for candidates in urban local body elections. It clarified that while the idea was discussed, it lacked consensus and will not be pursued. Simultaneously, the government is processing an amendment to remove the disqualification rule for candidates with more than two children. This written clarification was provided in response to a question from Congress MLA Pusaram Godara in the Legislative Assembly.

Key Points: No Education Rule for Rajasthan Local Polls, Govt Clarifies

  • No education rule for candidates
  • Two-child norm may be scrapped
  • Clarification given in Assembly
  • Congress MLA raised the question
  • Law Dept processing amendment
2 min read

Panchayat polls: Educational qualification not mandatory for candidates, says Rajasthan govt

Rajasthan govt says no plan to mandate education for urban body candidates, also moving to scrap two-child norm disqualification.

"there is no proposal under consideration to make educational qualifications mandatory - Rajasthan Government"

Jaipur, Feb 5

The Rajasthan government has clarified in the Legislative Assembly that there is no proposal under consideration to make educational qualifications mandatory for candidates contesting urban local body elections.

However, the process to remove the restriction on contesting elections for candidates with more than two children is currently underway in the Law Department.

This information was provided in a written reply to an unstarred question raised by Congress MLA Pusaram Godara. Notably, this is the first time the government has clarified its stand in writing on both issues.

The government stated that although discussions were held earlier regarding the introduction of educational qualifications for candidates, the proposal did not receive consensus, as several public representatives opposed it.

As a result, there is no move at present to amend the rules in this regard. As in previous elections, illiterate candidates will continue to be eligible to contest.

The reply further clarified that Section 21 of the Rajasthan Municipal Act, 2009, which governs the qualifications of candidates in urban local body elections, does not contain any provision related to educational qualifications, and no amendment is currently proposed.

Regarding the provision related to the number of children, the government stated that a proposal has been sent to the Law Department to amend Section 24 of the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009.

The amendment seeks to remove the existing condition that disqualifies candidates with more than two children from contesting elections. The file is presently under process.

Congress MLA Pusaram Godara had specifically asked whether the government intends to amend the provisions concerning educational qualifications and the two-child norm for candidates in urban local body elections.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the sentiment, I respectfully disagree. For urban local bodies dealing with complex budgets and infrastructure projects, a basic educational qualification should be mandatory. How can we expect proper governance otherwise?
R
Rohit P
Good move on the two-child norm as well! That rule was outdated and unfairly targeted certain communities. A person's capability as a representative has nothing to do with how many children they have. Focus should be on their work.
A
Ananya R
Democracy means representation for all. If we start putting educational barriers, we are essentially shutting the door on a large section of our society from participating in the political process. The will of the people should be the only qualification.
D
David E
Interesting perspective from Rajasthan. In many countries, there are no such formal requirements either. Ultimately, it's the voters' responsibility to choose a competent candidate. Let's hope people make informed choices.
K
Kavya N
The removal of the two-child norm is a welcome step. It was a coercive population control measure that had no place in a free democracy. A candidate's personal life should not be a criterion for public service. 👏

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