The Telangana Legislative Assembly has taken a significant step by passing a crucial bill that removes the two-child policy restriction for candidates contesting in local body elections. In the same session, the House also adopted a resolution expressing strong support for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Bill Replaces Ordinance, Aims to Boost Participation
The legislative move involved amending the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act of 2018. The primary objective of this amendment is to eliminate the clause that barred individuals with more than two children from running for office in panchayats and other local governing bodies. The bill, which was presented and approved in the Assembly, formally replaces an earlier ordinance that had been issued on the same matter.
Proponents of the bill argue that this change will encourage higher participation in grassroots democracy and is also seen as a measure that could positively influence fertility rates by removing a punitive clause. The approval on January 3, 2026, marks a reversal of a policy that had been in place for several years.
Simultaneous Support for Rural Employment Scheme
Alongside this landmark legislative change, the Telangana Assembly demonstrated its commitment to rural welfare by adopting a resolution backing the MGNREGS. This central government scheme is a cornerstone of rural employment and livelihood security in India.
The resolution underscores the state government's recognition of the scheme's importance in providing a social safety net and generating employment in rural areas. This dual action by the Assembly highlights a focus on both governance reform and social welfare.
Implications and Next Steps
The passage of the bill has immediate and direct consequences for the political landscape in Telangana's villages. The key outcomes include:
- Eligibility Expansion: A larger pool of citizens can now contest upcoming local body elections, potentially increasing diversity and competition.
- Policy Shift: The state moves away from a population control measure that was tied to political rights at the local level.
- Signal on Welfare: The MGNREGS resolution reinforces the state's stance on supporting central schemes that benefit its rural population.
With the bill receiving the Assembly's nod, the amended Act is set to govern the conduct of future panchayat elections in Telangana. The legislative action, reported by SNV Sudhir, concludes a process that began with the promulgation of an ordinance, now solidified into law.
