A THOUGHTFUL ANALYSIS ON CHANGING THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM OF INDIA

Although India has been independent since 73 years, it still lags on the country's overall development. While many argue on different reasons for "Developing Country" status, I strongly believe the ground root of this problem lies in the defective electoral system. Those who are elected by the citizens become the law makers, on whose shoulder lies the huge responsibility of Nation's Collective Interest. For such respectable and responsible job descriptions, it's better to have some criteria to elect them. Certainly, with necessary changes to the age-old system, we can resolve this issue.

Eligibility criteria:-

It is most important that the person contesting in the election must have the capacity to work for the nation and it's betterment. Therefore, it is smart to place every following aspect of the contestant under scrutiny.

Educational qualification:-

It's very ironic to note that Indian political system doesn't prescribe any minimum educational qualification to contest in elections. But I think at least a degree in any stream is necessary to participate in elections. Some people say that experience and knowledge is more important than educational qualification but, experience and knowledge with a good education affects a lot.

Social service background:-

A person contesting in the election must have a firm mind to carry out social service. So, before contesting in elections that person must have done some social work and have got a good conduct in pursuit of social work. A strong willingness to work for society and nation in the representatives is the foundation for the development of the nation.

Age limit:-

Article 84(b) of the Constitution of India specifies the minimum age to be a member for Lok Sabha and to be a member of legislative assembly the minimum age limit is 25 years. Article 173(b) of the Indian Constitution read with section 36(2) of the R.P Act 1950 gives the minimum age to be a member of legislative council that is 30 years. But we don't have any provision relating to the maximum age limit to contest in elections. This maximum age limit is needed. As our present system demands just the experience and pure knowledge in the field, which takes rather decades to master, in turn factors like representative's age and health affects their work efficiency.

Conclusion:

At the end we all blame our political leaders, our representatives for all the problems and imbalances in society. But, rather than blaming after electing them, let's make some changes in the electoral system of the country and let's have some eligibility criteria for contesting in elections. Then only we can hope for good development and prosperity of the country.