Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.

Youth is the backbone of a democracy. Encouraging their participation is essential for value-based governance and sustainable nation-building. Youth with sound moral fabric further ensures a bright political base for a growing democracy like ours.

Steps to Motivate Ethical Youth into Politics:

• Decriminalization of Politics: Prevent candidates with serious criminal records from contesting elections. Fast-track courts for cases involving politicians.
  • Example: The Election Commission has repeatedly advocated reforms to curb criminalization in politics. The Supreme Court has mandated disclosure of criminal antecedents of candidates.
• Ensure

Transparent

Political

• Funding: Make political donations transparent, reduce the influence of money power in elections.
• Example: Debates around Electoral Bonds highlighted the need for greater transparency in political financing. Political and Civic Education: Introduce courses on democracy, governance, and constitutional values.

Organize Youth Parliament and Model Legislative Assemblies.

• Example: The National Youth Parliament Scheme encourages students to understand parliamentary functioning and public issues.
• Promote Ethical Role Models: Highlight leaders known for honesty and public service. Showcase success stories of ethical politicians.
• Examples: Lal Bahadur Shastri – simplicity and integrity. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam – inspired youth through values and public service.
• Strengthen Internal Democracy in Political Parties: Give tickets based on merit rather than family background. Reserve organizational positions for young leaders.
• Example: Several political parties have established youth wings to groom future leaders.
• Leadership and Public Policy Training: Provide fellowships and leadership programmes. Train youth in governance, ethics, and policymaking.
  • Examples: LAMP Fellowship, Indian Youth Parliament programs, Chief Minister Fellowship Programs in states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Encourage Youth Representation: Increase opportunities for youth participation in local governance and political organizations. Establish youth advisory councils.
  • Example: Young sarpanches and municipal representatives have successfully introduced digital governance and community development initiatives in many villages.
• Use Technology for Political Engagement: Enable participation through digital consultations and online policy discussions. Encourage issue-based politics.
  • Example: The Government's MyGov platform allows citizens, especially youth, to contribute suggestions on public policies.

Strengthen Anti-Corruption

• Institutions: Ensure accountability and transparency in public office. Reward ethical conduct in governance.
• Examples: Digital governance initiatives such as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) reduce opportunities for corruption. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has enhanced transparency in administration.
• Reduce Financial Barrier: Provide support mechanisms for first-time candidates. Facilitate crowdfunding and transparent public funding.
  • Example: Several independent candidates and young leaders have successfully used crowdfunding models to finance election campaigns.

A healthy democracy requires ethical, competent, and service-oriented young leaders. Through electoral reforms, political education, transparency, leadership training, and promotion of ethical role models, India can motivate more principled youth to enter politics and strengthen democratic governance.