Jaipur: Mixed Reactions to Scrapping Two-Child Norm for Local Elections
The government's recent decision to abolish the two-child norm for candidates contesting urban local body and panchayat elections has generated a spectrum of responses from former councillors and aspiring politicians in Jaipur. While some view the move as a necessary relief, others criticize it as incomplete and potentially disruptive to election dynamics.
Support for the Decision
Several aspiring candidates have welcomed the policy change, describing it as long overdue. Former councillor Mohammed Zakariya expressed approval, stating that many capable individuals were previously barred from contesting due to this restriction. "Many deserving candidates were unable to participate solely because they did not comply with this policy. Now, they will finally have an opportunity," Zakariya remarked.
Virendra Solanki, who plans to contest the upcoming elections and has more than two children, shared his relief. "We aspired to engage in elections and comprehend political responsibilities but were excluded because of a single policy. With this rule eliminated, we can now prepare earnestly and enter the urban local body elections," Solanki explained.
Criticism and Concerns
Conversely, some candidates and former officials have raised concerns about the decision's implications. Former councillor Dashrath Singh Shekhawat criticized the move, arguing that it sends conflicting messages regarding population control. "On one hand, the government advocates for population management. On the other, sarpanches and councillors are influential figures in society. By removing this rule, the government has undermined a foundational principle," Shekhawat asserted.
Ramesh Bhati, a ticket aspirant for the forthcoming elections, highlighted practical challenges. "Wards have already been reduced in number. Now, with this rule abolished, the candidate pool is likely to expand further. This necessitates a complete overhaul of our election strategies and poses a significant hurdle for first-time contenders," Bhati noted.
Calls for Additional Reforms
A recurring theme among both supporters and critics is the demand for supplementary eligibility criteria. Multiple individuals emphasized that if the two-child policy is being discarded, educational qualifications should be instituted as a mandatory requirement.
"The decision is incomplete," one aspirant commented. "Education should be introduced as a fundamental eligibility criterion to ensure that responsible and capable individuals step forward." Shekhawat echoed this sentiment, adding, "At the very least, making education compulsory would guarantee that qualified people contest elections."
Zakariya also stressed the importance of an educational filter. "If a candidate has more than two children, education should at least be made mandatory. A well-educated councillor is crucial for serving the public effectively," he concluded.
The debate underscores the complex interplay between demographic policies and electoral integrity, as Jaipur's political landscape adjusts to these new regulations.
