In a significant policy reversal, the Telangana Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to abolish the two-child norm for individuals seeking to contest in local body elections. This move scraps a long-standing eligibility criterion that barred those with more than two children from running for positions in municipal corporations, municipalities, and panchayats.
A Unanimous Decision for Change
The legislative change was enacted through the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Telangana Municipal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The bills were tabled by State Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, D. Sridhar Babu, on July 24, 2024. The Assembly witnessed a rare moment of consensus as members across party lines supported the amendment, leading to its passage without any opposition.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy championed the amendment, arguing that the old rule was discriminatory and adversely affected women and poorer sections of society. He emphasized that the government's role should be to encourage population control through awareness and health initiatives, not through punitive measures that restrict democratic participation.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
The controversial two-child policy was originally introduced in undivided Andhra Pradesh through the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act of 1994. The provision stated that any person with more than two children would be disqualified from being elected as a member or holding office in local bodies. An exception was made only if a child was born with a disability or if a multiple birth resulted in more than two children.
This norm had faced severe criticism and legal challenges over the years. Critics argued it was an infringement on personal liberty and reproductive rights. Several aspiring candidates, particularly from marginalized communities, found themselves disqualified, which often led to protracted court battles. The Telangana government's decision aligns with a growing view that such disincentives are outdated and ineffective for population management.
Implications and Future Impact
The abolition of the two-child norm is expected to have immediate and far-reaching consequences. Firstly, it opens the door for a wider pool of candidates to participate in the upcoming local body elections, which are due to be held soon. This could potentially increase political competition and representation.
Secondly, the move is seen as a progressive step towards aligning public policy with fundamental rights. By removing this barrier, the state acknowledges that family planning choices are personal and should not be linked to civic rights. The government has stated it will focus on comprehensive health and education campaigns to promote smaller family norms voluntarily.
The amendment applies to all three tiers of rural local bodies—Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishads, and Zilla Parishads—as well as urban municipal bodies. With this legislative hurdle removed, political parties can now field candidates based on merit and local acceptance, without the constraint of family size.
This decision by the Telangana Assembly sets a precedent and may influence debates on similar laws in other Indian states that still have such provisions. It marks a shift from coercive policies to persuasive, rights-based approaches in governance.
