NOB-Telangana news: The obstacles imposed by the state government on the rule that one should not have more than two children to contest in local body elections have been officially removed. State Governor Jishnu Dev Verma has approved the ordinance issued in accordance with the government’s recent decision. With this, this rule, which has been in force for decades, will be abolished and thousands of candidates interested in contesting local elections will get new opportunities. Rule introduced in 1994, the goal at that time was population control. In 1994, the joint Andhra Pradesh government implemented this rule with population control in mind. At that time, a law was introduced preventing people with more than two children from contesting in the Sarpanch, Ward Member, MPTC and ZPTC elections. The law was described as a key step taken to reduce the rate of population growth in rural areas. However, the government has recently decided to abolish this rule completely, considering factors such as changes in rural population over time, increased awareness among the people, government programs on family planning, and social changes. With the ordinance coming into force with the approval of the governor, the two-child rule is no longer a cover for election eligibility.

With this:

* Even those with more than two children can contest in local body elections

* Eligibility for the posts of Sarpanch, Ward Member, MPTC, and ZPTC

* Candidates who were unable to contest in the past due to the rule will have another chance

* Possibility of a new type of competition in rural politics

Immediately after the government’s decision was announced, there is a huge debate among candidates, village leaders, and political circles. While many are welcoming this decision, some are also recalling the intentions of the old rule. Authorities indicate that the government has taken the initiative with the idea that the interest in participating in local governance should not be limited by population rules. It is reported that the government believes that factors such as efficiency and service spirit are important in rural development and solving local problems, and that the right to democracy cannot be denied based on family size. This decision will have a key impact on the upcoming local body elections. Leaders who want to contest in many mandals and villages have now filed their nominations without any obstacles. Many people who were unable to participate in politics due to the old rules are now preparing to return to the field. There are expectations that the impact of this decision will be clearly visible in the mobilizations, party strategies, and selection of candidates in the villages.