Reviews | Is it time for youth-led politics in India?

Last update:January 12, 2025, 6:16 p.m. IST

India is at a unique juncture as it is home to the largest youth population in the world, with around 27.3 percent of its total population in the 15-29 age group.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits an exhibition at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, in New Delhi. (PMO via PTI)

The air crackled with palpable energy at the Bharat Mandapam today. Prime Minister Modi’s presence at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue was not just a ceremonial visit; it was a powerful statement, an unequivocal signal that the call for youth participation in Indian politics is not mere rhetoric.

His direct interaction with nearly 3,000 young leaders, individuals carefully selected through a rigorous process, underlines the seriousness with which the government views this demographic – a crucial force in shaping the destiny of the nation.

This dialogue is more than just a photo op. It is the continuation of a sustained effort, a consistent message from the highest echelons of power: these carefully chosen young individuals represent a microcosm of India’s vast potential, a reservoir of talent and ideas waiting to be harnessed. be exploited. Modi’s engagement with them is an acknowledgment that their voices are not only welcome but essential in charting the way forward for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ – a developed India.

India is at a unique juncture as it has the largest youth population in the world, with around 27.3 percent of its total population in the 15-29 age group. This demographic dividend, this surge of young energy and intellect, is a resource with immense potential.

To truly capitalize on this advantage and propel India onto the global stage as a beacon of progress, we must actively cultivate and harness the leadership capabilities inherent in our youth. Their understanding of contemporary challenges, their spirit of innovation and their inherent link with the digital age are essential assets.

THE NUMBERS SPEAK: YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE ELECTION ARENA

Look at the numbers and the story becomes abundantly clear. Millions of young Indians enthusiastically exercise their right to vote; In recent national parliamentary elections, voters aged 18 to 29 accounted for approximately 22.3% of total registered voters. This enthusiasm at the polls, however, is not reflected in the representation of young people as candidates. The harsh reality is that the number of young people running for office remains woefully low. Historically, in the early years of Indian democracy, around 33.74% of MPs were aged between 25 and 40 years.

However, in the 2019 general elections, this figure had fallen to just 11.97%, falling further to just 10.68% in the 2024 elections. There is a gap here, a bottleneck that prevents this population dynamic to actively participate in the very institutions that shape their lives.

Current statistics paint a worrying picture. Consider the average age of elected officials; it paints the portrait of a parliament increasingly distant from the demographic realities of the nation. The average age of Lok Sabha MPs has increased steadily from 46.5 years in 1952 to 55.6 years in the 2024 elections. As the energy of India’s youth grows, the average age of its parliamentarians continues to climb.

It is not a question here of denigrating the experience of seasoned politicians, but rather of emphasizing the urgency of a better balance, of a more faithful reflection of the composition of the nation within its governing bodies. The Youth Representation Index (YRI), which measures youth representation relative to their share of the population, clearly illustrates this decline, falling from a peak of 156 in 1957 to a worrying figure of 41 in 2024. underrepresentation is not just a statistical anomaly; it speaks to a system that, perhaps inadvertently, erects barriers to entry for its young citizens.

LOWERING THE BAR: A NECESSARY STEP?

A concrete step towards correcting this imbalance is to review the minimum age required to run for office. The current regulations, which set a minimum age of 25 for contesting Lok Sabha elections, although intended to ensure a certain level of maturity, arguably act as a significant deterrent to many young people able and willing to contribute . If an 18-year-old is deemed responsible enough to vote and influence the direction of the country, why then is there a greater barrier preventing them from running for office and directly influencing policy? The logic seems incoherent, an obstacle that hinders rather than helps.

Lowering the age bar is not about incentivizing inexperienced individuals to suddenly dominate the political landscape. Rather, it is about opening the door to a wider pool of talent, by offering passionate and competent young people the opportunity to step forward and serve their community. It is also about fostering a system in which both can coexist and contribute effectively.

Leading the way: GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND OBSTACLES

The government, to its credit, has recognized the imperative need to involve young people in the political process. Initiatives to promote civic education and electoral awareness are laudable steps in the right direction. Furthermore, the focus on skill development and entrepreneurship among the youth, exemplified by a recent budgetary allocation of approximately Rs. 1.43 Lakh Crore for education, employment and skills (a 30 percent increase from the previous allocation), will undoubtedly enable them to become active participants in the progress of the nation. These initiatives lay the foundation, cultivating a generation equipped to contribute meaningfully.

However, obstacles remain. Societal perceptions and the lasting influence of established political dynasties can create an uneven playing field for young aspirants without family ties. The financial demands of a campaign can also be prohibitive, further limiting opportunities for those without significant resources. While government programs offer support, a more concerted effort is needed to dismantle these systemic barriers and ensure a truly level playing field where merit and passion, rather than privilege and pedigree, determine success.

INDIA 2047: A VISION OF YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Imagine India in 2047, a nation celebrating its centenary of independence. Imagine a political landscape where youthful dynamism has become the norm. Imagine political debates informed by the perspectives of those who will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions. This is not a fanciful dream; it is an achievable future if we actively empower our youth today. A youth-focused policy landscape would likely prioritize issues of sustainability, innovation and social justice – concerns that resonate deeply with the younger generation.

By 2047, a generation nurtured in an environment that values ​​their contribution and empowers their participation could lead India to unprecedented heights. Their mastery of technology can revolutionize governance, their entrepreneurship can drive economic growth, and their passion for a better future can forge a more inclusive and equitable society. Unlocking the potential of India’s youth in politics is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative, an essential ingredient in building a stronger, more dynamic and globally influential India. The time for youth-led politics is not on the horizon; it’s now.