The Role of Youth in Indian Politics:
The involvement of young people in Indian politics is growing in importance, molding the country’s future and introducing new ideas to governance. India’s large and expanding youth population presents both hurdles and possibilities for getting young citizens involved in politics. It’s vital that youth participate in politics to tackle issues directly affecting them, like education, jobs, and social change.
Political groups are starting to see how important it is to have youth in politics. They’re working to include young leaders when making decisions. But there are still things stopping young people from fully taking part in Indian politics, such as not having enough resources or representation in key roles. This article looks at how youth currently participate in Indian politics, examines efforts to get them more involved, and considers how youth might shape Indian politics in the future.
How Youth Currently Participate in Indian Politics
The role of youth in politics in India is becoming more important, but young people still face challenges in being represented and involved. Even though nearly half of India’s population is between 15 and 40, young people aren’t very engaged in politics.
Voter Sign-ups and Turnout
The Election Commission of India says only 38% of 18-19-year-olds who can vote have signed up for the 2024 elections. This low number is worrying because about 18.5 million first-time voters in this age group could potentially change politics. Young Indian voter turnout has gotten a bit better, with 67% of 18-25-year-olds voting in 2019, up from 54% in 2009. But it’s still not full participation.
Young People in Political Parties and Government
The presence of young people in India’s Parliament has dropped over time. In 1957, about 34% of MPs were 25-40 years old, but by 2024, this fell to just 10%. The average age of MPs rose from 46.5 years in 1952 to 55.6 years in 2024. This shift suggests a growing gap between younger citizens and the country’s lawmakers.
Political groups have noticed the need for youth in politics and are trying to involve young leaders in decision-making. However, few young people actually hold key positions. Many young MPs come from established political families, making it hard for newcomers to break in.
Youth branches of main political parties
India’s major political parties have youth and student groups, like the Indian Youth Congress, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, and Democratic Youth Federation of India. These aim to get young people into politics and train future leaders. But people question how well these groups work, as their leaders are often in their mid-30s or older.
Despite these issues, there’s some progress. Young political figures like Aaditya Thackeray, Raghav Chadha, and Tejasvi Surya have emerged nationally. They represent a new wave of politicians bringing fresh ideas to Indian politics.
To improve youth political involvement, programs like the Election Commission’s ‘Turning 18’ campaign and NGO efforts to boost awareness and voter registration show promise. But more thorough measures are needed to ensure young voices are heard in shaping the nation’s future.
Obstacles to Youth Participation in Indian Politics
Insufficient civic education.
A major hurdle for youth in politics in India is the poor civic education in schools. A 2015 study by the Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA) found that India’s civic education fails to foster democratic citizenship effectively [1]. The report showed that high school students lack the crucial knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to become active citizens who can meaningfully engage in governance and politics [1].
Implementing civic education programs has been tough. Despite attempts to improve content, like the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2005, teaching methods remain dull and focus on memorization [1]. This approach doesn’t develop the hands-on skills young people need to interact with, keep an eye on, and shape government processes effectively.
Hard to access political processes
Young Indians face big obstacles when trying to enter politics. Lack of money and campaign support makes it hard for youth to gain a foothold. This often gives an edge to candidates from political families or those with deep pockets, creating an unfair playing field for newcomers.
Also, Indian politics is often described as a “young country, old leaders” situation. Most young leaders who make it big come from powerful political families. This makes it tough for young people without connections to climb the ladder and have a real say in decision-making.
Disappointment with current politics
Many young Indians feel left out of their communities because they can’t really take part in politics and decision-making. This feeling of being sidelined has led to frustration with the current political system.
The idea that politics is dirty and corrupt, often shown in the media, has also turned youth away. Many young people see politics as a risky and unappealing career choice, further discouraging their involvement.
These barriers highlight the need for change to bring more youth into politics. Better civic education, fairer access to political processes, and efforts to rebuild trust in the system could help engage young Indians in shaping their country’s future. By addressing these issues, India can tap into the energy and fresh ideas of its youth, potentially transforming its political landscape for the better.
Moreover, young people are increasingly frustrated with the lack of focus on their key issues like education and jobs after elections. This gap between what’s promised during campaigns and what actually happens has made many youth doubt if their votes really matter.
To get more youth in politics and tackle these problems, we need a big-picture approach. This means better civics classes in schools, making it easier for young people to enter politics, and fixing the reasons why young voters feel let down. By doing this, India can use the power of its young population and make sure their ideas help shape the country’s future.
Ways to Get More Youth Involved in Politics
To overcome these challenges and tap into the potential of youth in Indian politics, various programs have been started to boost their involvement. These efforts aim to create a political scene that welcomes and values what young citizens have to offer.
Easy Voter Sign-Up Programs
The Election Commission of India has made it simpler for young adults to register to vote. One key step is the online voter registration system, which lets Indian citizens who’ve just turned 18 sign up to vote on the internet [6]. This digital approach makes it easier for tech-savvy youth to take part in elections.
Also, the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, which started in 2009, focuses on teaching voters and raising awareness. SVEEP’s main goal is to build a truly participative democracy by encouraging all eligible citizens, including youth, to vote and make smart choices during elections [7].
Youth Leadership Training Programs
Several programs have been set up to grow young leaders and give them chances to get involved in politics. The National Young Leaders Program, a Central Sector Scheme, finds and guides young people with leadership potential. This program aims to develop leadership skills among youth, helping them reach their full potential and contribute to building the nation [8].
Using Social Media and Tech to Engage Youth
The digital revolution has changed many parts of life, including how people take part in politics. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for political action and have helped increase voter turnout in Indian elections [9]. These platforms let citizens share their opinions, discuss views, and talk directly with political leaders.
Political parties and government bodies now see social media as key for reaching young voters. They use Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp to share info about government plans and main programs. During COVID-19, social media was crucial as people could directly ask authorities for help [10].
The Election Commission of India has also started using tech to make voting easier for everyone. For instance, the Saksham App helps People with Disabilities (PwDs) sign up to vote, find where to vote, and cast their vote [10].
These efforts show that India is starting to see how important it is for youth to take part in politics. By using tech, offering leadership chances, and making voting simpler, these programs aim to get more youth involved in politics. But more work is needed to deal with remaining issues and make sure young voices are heard when decisions are made at all levels of government.
The Future of Youth in Indian Politics
Youth in politics in India is set to greatly shape the nation’s future. As the world’s biggest and youngest country, India can use its youth power to boost its core democratic values. The future of Indian politics depends on its young citizens, who bring new ideas, fresh thinking, and a strong desire for change.
How more youth in politics could make a difference
More youth in politics could transform how India is run. Young people know the problems facing the country and want to change things if given the chance. Their involvement can lead to policies that include more people, look to the future, and match what the younger generation wants.
Youth can bring new ways to tackle management issues and push for things like sustainable growth, clean energy, and digital skills, which India needs for its future. Their energy and enthusiasm can drive real change, especially in dealing with urgent problems like environmental damage and social unfairness.
New young political leaders coming up
India is seeing several promising young political leaders making their mark in different roles. These new leaders represent a fresh generation of politicians bringing new ideas to Indian politics.
A prime example is Arya Rajendran, who became India’s youngest mayor at just 21. As Thiruvananthapuram’s Mayor, she’s tackling key issues like waste management in Kerala’s capital [1]. Another rising star is Raghav Chadha, a 33-year-old Aam Aadmi Party member now serving as a Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab. Kinjarupu Ram Mohan Naidu is the second youngest Member of Parliament to the 16th Lok Sabha. At the age of 36, he is the younger ever Union Minister.
These young leaders, alongside others like Aaditya Thackeray, Tejasvi Surya, and Hardik Patel, are reshaping Indian politics by injecting fresh ideas and vigor into the political scene.
Steps to boost youth in politics
To fully tap into the potential of youth in politics, several policy changes can be made:
- Streamline voter registration, focusing on improving online methods and reducing multiple trips to government offices.
- Launch automatic voter registration programs to increase youth voter turnout.
- Set up formal channels for dialogue, conflict resolution, feedback gathering, and policy development to enable direct communication between lawmakers and young people.
- Develop structured programs for the Indian government to engage with youth, including paid internships for bright young graduates to gain hands-on experience in policymaking.
- Think about introducing quotas for young people in Parliament, state, and local bodies to formalize youth participation.
- Motivate political parties to dedicate a portion of their funds to boost youth involvement, as seen in some other nations.
By implementing these suggestions and fostering an environment where young people feel empowered to actively participate in democracy, India can unlock the potential of its youth and ensure their voices shape the nation’s future.
Wrapping up
The role of youth in Indian politics is set to significantly impact the country’s future. With initiatives like automatic voter registration, online voting platforms, and leadership development programs, India is taking steps to harness its young population’s potential. These efforts, combined with the rise of young political leaders, are paving the way for a transformation in the political landscape and addressing pressing issues that matter to the younger generation.
As more youth in politics emerge, they bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to long-standing problems. Their involvement can lead to more inclusive policies, forward-thinking approaches, and a political system that better represents the aspirations of India’s young demographic. By embracing the energy and ideas of its youth, India can build a more dynamic and responsive democracy that is better equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.
To fully unleash the potential of youth in politics, a united effort is essential. Various sectors, including media, schools, political organizations, and society as a whole, must contribute to creating an environment where young people can excel in the political arena. By establishing non-partisan platforms for youth advocacy and promoting civic engagement from a young age, India can set the stage for a new era of leadership. The upcoming generation is eager to take charge and leave their mark on the nation’s governance, and it’s time for the system to make space for them.
Encouraging youth in politics goes beyond just creating opportunities. It involves nurturing a culture that values fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. By integrating young voices into decision-making processes, we can address contemporary issues more effectively and build a more inclusive political landscape.
Educational institutions play a crucial role in this transformation. By incorporating civic education and political awareness into curricula, schools can equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to participate meaningfully in the political process. This early exposure can help demystify politics and encourage active citizenship.
Political parties, too, must adapt to welcome young members. By creating youth wings and mentorship programs, parties can groom the next generation of leaders while benefiting from their energy and fresh ideas. This approach not only ensures continuity but also helps parties stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
Media outlets can contribute by providing balanced coverage of youth political initiatives and highlighting success stories of young leaders. This visibility can inspire more young people to consider political careers and help change public perceptions about youth in politics.
Ultimately, fostering youth participation in politics is about securing a brighter future for the nation. By harnessing the creativity, passion, and tech-savviness of the younger generation, India can address its challenges more innovatively and build a more dynamic democracy.
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References
[2] – https://aceproject.org/ace-en/topics/yt/yt10/yt210/the-importance-of-youth-participation-in-formal
[3] – https://www.kristujayantilaw.edu.in/Youth-Political-Participation.php
[4] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_in_Indian_politics
[5] – https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2110084.pdf
[6] – https://www.eci.gov.in/faq/en/how-to-register/
[7] – https://hpshimla.nic.in/sveepsystematic-voters-education-and-electoral-participation/
[10] – https://pwonlyias.com/current-affairs/impact-of-social-media-on-indian-politics/
