The Telangana legislative assembly has taken a significant step by passing a bill that removes the long-standing "two-child norm" for individuals wishing to contest in local body elections. This policy, which previously disqualified those with more than two children from running in panchayat and municipal polls, has been officially scrapped.
Why the Policy Became Redundant
Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka presented the government's rationale behind this move. She pointed to the state's dramatically changed demographic landscape. The two-child rule was originally introduced in 1994 as a population control measure during a period of rapid growth. It aimed to address pressing issues like food security, unemployment, and poverty linked to the population surge of the 1980s and 1990s.
However, nearly three decades later, the scenario has reversed. The minister highlighted that Telangana's fertility rate, particularly in rural areas, has plummeted to 1.7. This figure is notably below the replacement fertility rate of 2.1, which is necessary to maintain a stable population size from one generation to the next.
Addressing New Demographic Challenges
Seethakka cautioned that a continued decline in population growth could lead to undesirable long-term consequences for the state's demographic balance. The government believes that maintaining a replacement-level fertility rate is crucial for the future of coming generations. The decision to repeal the norm was taken after considering the views of representatives from Panchayat Raj institutions and acknowledging that citizens are now voluntarily opting for smaller families.
The bill amends the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, and replaces an ordinance that had been promulgated earlier for the same purpose. The legislative change serves a dual objective: to address the worrying trend of a declining fertility rate and to facilitate the smooth conduct of upcoming local body elections by removing a contentious eligibility barrier.
What This Means for Future Candidates
The passage of this bill marks a pivotal shift in Telangana's approach to population and governance. By abolishing the two-child norm, the state government is adapting its laws to contemporary realities rather than past concerns. This move effectively opens the door for a wider pool of candidates to participate in the democratic process at the grassroots level, reflecting the current socio-demographic trends of the state.
