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Youth participation in politics is crucial for a dynamic democracy, yet it remains low in India despite its demographic advantage. With nearly 65% of the population under the age of 35 (Census 2011), India’s political landscape reflects a significant gap. The average age of MPs in the current Lok Sabha is 56 years, highlighting the need for more young voices in governance.

Youth Participation in Mainstream Politics: Current Status

• Underrepresentation in Legislatures: Despite the demographic reality, the political arena is dominated by older politicians, with only 11% of MPs in the current Lok Sabha being under 40 years old.
  For instance: Out of 543 Lok Sabha MPs, only 3 are aged 25 or younger, reflecting the low level of youth involvement in mainstream politics.
• Perception of Politics as an Unattractive Career: Politics in India is often perceived as a field fraught with corruption, nepotism, and financial barriers. This discourages young individuals from entering a morally and ethically compromised environment.
  For instance: Lokniti-CSDS found that a majority of Indian youth view politics with scepticism due to corruption and dynastic practices.
• Lack of Political Education and Awareness: The absence of political education in schools and colleges means that many young people lack a basic understanding of political processes and governance leading to lack of awareness about how to participate effectively in politics.
  For instance: Unlike countries like the USA and UK, India does not have a mandatory political education curriculum at the secondary education level, leading to limited political literacy among the youth.
• Financial Barriers to Entry: The high cost of election campaigns and political mobilisation acts as a significant barrier to entry for young aspirants. Many young people, particularly those from non-political backgrounds, find it challenging to gather the financial resources needed to compete in elections.
  For example: As per the Election Commission of India, the average expenditure for a Lok Sabha candidate is around ₹70 lakhs, a sum beyond the reach of most young individuals.
• Cultural Norms and Family Pressures: In many Indian families, politics is not considered a viable career option due to the perception that it lacks stability and respectability against conventional career paths like engineering, medicine, or business.
  For instance: In rural areas, a survey by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports showed that families often discourage youth from entering politics due to perceived risks and instability.

Reasons for Low Youth Participation in Politics:

• Dynastic Politics: This practice discourages young aspirants who lack political lineage from entering the political arena, as they perceive it as being reserved for a privileged few.
• Lack of Institutional Support for Youth: Political parties rarely provide platforms for young leaders to rise through merit, making it difficult for those without connections to gain visibility and influence.
  For instance: Unlike few major parties of India, most Indian political parties lack robust youth wings that actively groom future leaders.
• Inadequate Representation in Political Parties: Young people often lack significant roles in political parties, which are typically led by older leaders. This generational gap limits their influence on policies that shape their future.
  For instance: A study by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) found that youth participation in major Indian political parties’ decision-making bodies is minimal, often below 5%.
• Fear of Political Repercussions: Many young individuals fear social ostracism, loss of economic opportunities, and potential violence.
  For instance: Reports indicate that youth activists in politically sensitive regions face threats and harassment, deterring many from political involvement.
• Political Apathy and Disillusionment: Many young people are disillusioned with politics, seeing it as ineffective in addressing their concerns and lacking inspiring role models and transparency.
  For instance: According to a Pew Research Center survey, only 36% of Indian youth believe that the government is effectively addressing their needs.

Measures to Enhance Youth Engagement in the Political Process:

• Promoting Political Education: Integrating political education into school and college curricula can increase awareness and foster interest in governance among young people.
  For instance: The Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) established by the Election Commission of India aim to engage youth in schools and colleges about democratic rights and electoral processes.
• Encouraging Youth Quotas in Political Parties: This policy can encourage young people to join politics and bring fresh perspectives.
• Reducing Financial Barriers: Implementing campaign finance reforms to reduce the cost of elections can make politics more accessible for young candidates. Public funding for campaigns and transparent financial practices can help level the playing field.
  For instance: The Electoral Bonds Scheme in India, while controversial, is an attempt to bring transparency to political funding.
• Leveraging Technology and Social Media: Using social media and digital platforms to engage youth in political discourse can enhance their participation. Political parties can leverage these tools to communicate policies and encourage discussions among young voters.
  For instance: The IT Cell of political parties can use social media to effectively engage with young voters, demonstrating the potential of digital outreach.
• Creating Youth-Focused Political Platforms: Establishing youth-focused political platforms or parties that specifically address the needs and aspirations of young people can increase their participation. These platforms can focus on issues like education, employment, and innovation.

Moving forward, enhancing youth-focused political platforms in India could significantly influence the nation’s future. By tackling key issues like education, employment, and innovation, these platforms can empower young people to actively engage in politics, ensuring their voices drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive political landscape.

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