Topic: Indian Constitution– historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
3) With increasing young leaders taking centre stage in the electoral discourse, Do you think the time has come to revisit the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha elections? Provide your opinion and examine the pros and cons associated.(250 words)
Indian Polity by Lakshmikant, D D Basu
Why this question:
Under Article 84(b) and article 173(b) no one below 25 years of age can become candidates eligible for Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections. However, with youngsters like Hardik Patel, Kanhaiya Kumar and Shehila Rashid etc. gaining the limelight in recent past much before their attainment of the requisite age for election as MP/MLA, the issue has come to the forefront.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss the constitutional provisions associated with Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections, the facts associated with minimum age provision, explain the interlinkages with rising trends of increased youth participation.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer
Introduction:
Introduce by highlighting the known provisions of constitution in this context.
Body:
Answers must discuss the following aspects :
- High spot the increased participation of youth these days in politics.
- Discuss the pros and cos associated.
- Explain India is a young country with average age of 27 years while currently that of Parliament members is 63, thus explain how reduction of age will help in plugging the generation gap and to be in sync with the present generation and addressing their issues.
- Measure the associated issues that can accompany the change in minimum age revision to a lower age.
Conclusion –
Emphasize the importance and suggest a way forward.
