Jaipur: The state govt has clarified that there is no immediate plan to amend eligibility norms for candidates contesting urban local bodies elections, including the two-child norm, following a query by Ratangarh MLA Poosaram Godara.In a written reply, the Department of Local Bodies (DLB) said Section 21 of the Rajasthan Municipal Act, 2009, does not mandate any educational qualification for candidates contesting municipal elections. It added that no proposal to amend rules related to educational qualifications is currently under consideration.
On the two-child norm, the govt said provisions are mentioned under Section 24 of the Act. A proposal to amend these provisions has been sent to the Law and Legal Affairs Department and is under process. However, it has neither been placed before the Cabinet nor approved so far. The reply triggered mixed reactions. While candidates with more than two children see it as a possible relief, several former municipal representatives criticised the govt’s stand. Former councillor Dashrath Singh Shekhawat said, “Instead of moving forward in the 21st century, the govt appears to be returning to ancient thinking. Public representatives with fewer children could set an example for society, but this decision goes in the opposite direction.” He added that allowing uneducated individuals to run civic bodies is a “completely wrong decision” that could harm municipal governance. Former JMC mayor Jyoti Khandelwal said, “If educational qualifications are not made mandatory, more people will be able to contest elections. Earlier, having more than two children was common, especially in rural areas. Removing this rule will allow many eligible candidates to contest.” Former leader of opposition in JMC, Giriraj Khandelwal termed the reply “deeply concerning”. He said the lack of clarity reflects “the govt’s absence of direction and political will” and could weaken the efficiency of urban local bodies. Clarifying the govt’s position, DLB secretary Ravi Jain said, “The discussion on removing the 2-child policy has been ongoing for some time. This reply refers to future possibilities. No bill was passed by the Cabinet yet, and no new rule was implemented. At present, it is only expected and under process.”
