A parliamentary standing committee has recommended reducing the minimum age for contesting elections from 25 years to 21 years. The committee believes that this step will encourage greater participation of youth in politics and strengthen democratic processes.
It noted that in several government jobs and services, the minimum eligibility age is 21 years. The committee argued that if young citizens can take on administrative, judicial, and defense responsibilities at 21, they should also be eligible to contest elections at the same age.
Additionally, the committee suggested that lowering the age limit would provide opportunities for young leaders to bring fresh perspectives into governance. It also emphasized the importance of aligning election rules with the broader framework of youth participation in other sectors.
Election Commission Not in Favor
However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) does not support this recommendation. In its statement to the parliamentary committee, the ECI said it is not in favor of reducing the age limit. According to the ECI, the current age requirement of 25 years has been in place for decades, and lowering it may not be practical or beneficial at this stage.
The Commission stressed that experience and maturity are important qualities for lawmakers, which generally come with age. Therefore, the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections should remain 25 years.
