INTERVIEW FOR CSE 2019 All ForumIAS members selected for CSE 2019 Personality Test must submit their details and DAF and register below to receive further instructions and guidance from ForumIAS. Click here to register now
INTERVIEW 2020 CHANNEL ForumIAS Channel for Interview Preparation is now Active! Please join the channel by clicking here
Guys, what are your views on the need for educational qualification for politicians? This, in the light of SC order upholding the ordinance of Haryana Govt for the same.
NDTV wants our views ( ForumIAS's ) on the same. I would be curious to know what you think, with some good arguments.
@modernashoka , @aks others, Can you share some views in favour and against?
Moderators, I am making this an announcement, so that we can quickly have some views on the same. I shall unannouce it after a few hours. If you feel this is unnecessary, you may un-annouce it. Thanks.
The Supreme Court has already declared this ordinance to be valid and upholding the Fundamental Rights. Taking this debate then, out of the purview of its constitutional validity and whether it violates the Right to Equality or not etc, I'm highlighting some issues which may still arise from an ethical standpoint, if not from a legal one:-
1.Are we at that stage yet? With more than 26% of our population still completely illiterate, will the step of introducing minimum qualifications act towards improving governance or will it covertly and implicitly work towards excluding a large electorate from contesting elections?
2. Introducing such reforms at the grassroots stage acts in violation to the very concept of grassroots democracy itself. Inherent within the concept of grassroots democracy is the fundamental principle of participation and inclusion.
3. Hypothetically, what is the extent to which we, as a nation, are willing to go in order to usher in governance reforms? Can this be also argued that in future, the right to vote is also curtailed in a similar manner where age criteria, along with a minimum educational qualification determines the eligibility to cast a vote? Certainly the right to vote is NOT a fundamental right, it is a mere constitutional right which can be amended. Will this step be accepted too, in hopes of better governance? If not, then why this one?
4. The root cause of inefficiency in governance system is corruption and not illiteracy per say. And corruption is not at all correlated to the education of a person. An educated grassroots governance structure is no less likely to indulge in corruption than an uneducated one. Eliminating corruption and ensuring better vigilance and anti-corruption measures should be given priority to usher in governance reforms than introducing any such big bang reforms which can have unintended consequences like exclusion of a large electorate from contesting elections.
Minimum qualifications : 1. Class XII pass with 2. Basic financial literacy 3. Basic computer literacy 4. Introductory ethics
Point 3 can be waived for functionaries who do not need to use a computer. This should be the minimum qualification for all levels below state / ut / central legislature.
With adult education, it's not impossible to acquire the required qualifications at any age. Accelerated programs could be designed for those who want to opt for them.
The higher legislature must have an additional set of qualifications :
5. A bachelor's degree in any subject 6. Minimum 3 years of work experience in the relevant field of study (to weed out degree buyers). 7. UPSC CSE Mains syllabus (minimum pass marks) 8. Basic financial accounting
Of these qualifications, 5 and 6 must be acquired before applying for election as an MP / MLA. Rest of the things must be taught in an MP training academy on their first election within a period of 2 years of their election.
The administration of a country cannot be left in the hands of people who don't even know what they're doing.
nops- enforcing this might not bring higher efficiency. It is damn easy to buy a 10th certificate. this law will also reduce women participation in elections. highers focus and spending on 'education for all' is the key and it will take time.
The Supreme Court has already declared this ordinance to be valid and upholding the Fundamental Rights. Taking this debate then, out of the purview of its constitutional validity and whether it violates the Right to Equality or not etc, I'm highlighting some issues which may still arise from an ethical standpoint, if not from a legal one:-
1.Are we at that stage yet? With more than 26% of our population still completely illiterate, will the step of introducing minimum qualifications act towards improving governance or will it covertly and implicitly work towards excluding a large electorate from contesting elections?
2. Introducing such reforms at the grassroots stage acts in violation to the very concept of grassroots democracy itself. Inherent within the concept of grassroots democracy is the fundamental principle of participation and inclusion.
3. Hypothetically, what is the extent to which we, as a nation, are willing to go in order to usher in governance reforms? Can this be also argued that in future, the right to vote is also curtailed in a similar manner where age criteria, along with a minimum educational qualification determines the eligibility to cast a vote? Certainly the right to vote is NOT a fundamental right, it is a mere constitutional right which can be amended. Will this step be accepted too, in hopes of better governance? If not, then why this one?
4. The root cause of inefficiency in governance system is corruption and not illiteracy per say. And corruption is not at all correlated to the education of a person. An educated grassroots governance structure is no less likely to indulge in corruption than an educated one. Eliminating corruption and ensuring better vigilance and anti-corruption measures should be given priority to usher in governance reforms than introducing any such big bang reforms which can have unintended consequences like exclusion of a large electorate from contesting elections.
It is interesting to know that you actually do not support minimum educational qualifications for elected representatives . Most aspiring bureaucrats would be delighted at the idea. But you do have valid points.
What did out founding fathers envisage when they gave the power to vote to the millions in India, most of them who were illiterate? Is the right to vote or to be voted depend on formal education system? Is formal education more important than informal experience? There are the questions which this issue requires us to examine.
Taking it one by one.
Educational qualifications should not be mandatory.
The politicians are representatives of the people. i.e. they are of the same class background. If the people are illiterate in a constituency, how can you expect their representative to be educated? How will the people trust him? They will think he is just conspiring with the educated modern elites.
But how to strike a balance?
The whole problem according to me is the problem involving separation of powers. The constitution envisages the legislature as goal setters, who will guide the nation. Perform a check on the functioning. Induce accountability.
They do not formulate policies. That job is left to the executive. Now here lies the problem.
The executive in India consists of both a permanent bureaucracy i.e. civil services, and the temporary elected representatives. It is seen that the permanent bureaucracy has the vision and ability to take long term decisions as they do not have to worry about elections. That is why the RBI is able to control the Indian economy, and not screw it up as has happened in Brasil.
While the elected executive worry more about short term. The constitution envisaged a balance between both when it formed a mixed system in India.
But, this system is broken as the balance of powers is broken. The civil service is at the mercy of the politicians as they cannot function independenty. They cannot give honest advice, as the politicians want someone to follow them, rather than advice them.
Thus, the important function of the civil service, i.e. being a medium to provide advice, and knowledge to the uneducated politicians lays broken. And this, for me, is the root of all problems.
nops- enforcing this might not bring higher efficiency. It is damn easy to buy a 10th certificate. this law will also reduce women participation in elections. highers focus and spending on 'education for all' is the key and it will take time.
It won't be easy to buy 10th certificate of it becomes an election criteria . Opponents will expose the 10th fiasco easily.
It may immediately reduce the women participation, but would politics encourage women to seek education in the medium and long term ?
This debate originated due to Rajbala case, Where haryana govt made a rule that indivisual who is not 10th pass in general category, 8th pass in SC category, 5th pass in ST category would not be allowed to contest elections. But I personally believe that education should not be compulsory to be a leader.
why should not make education compulsory for leaders, because 1) 60% of population who has not passed middle school, would be disqualify to contest elections. toh kya garib aadmi election nahi lad sakta, garib aadmi leader nahi ban sakta kya?? 2) Right to Education is provided only upto 8th standard, and we want people to have education upto 10th standard to fight panchayat elections. 3) When Right to vote under Art. 326 of constitution, then there should be right to contest election as well. 4) When highly educated politicians, bureaucrats are found engaged in corruption activities. How can we think of education as criteria to improve system. 5) We have fear in kerala, where corporate sector is capturing power in panchayats. This kind of law can intensify such fear. 6) There is no defined education, what type of education - knowledge of History, Geography, Engineering... Is that required to be a good leader?? Or social service, moral education, devotion to help people is required to be a good leader? These things can't be inculcated in people. These are intrinsic qualities of an indivisual. 7) This way, we are comparing population below 10th standard with criminals, as both are disqualified to contest elections. 8) It is not politicians, rather voters should have qualification. So that, they do not vote on the basis of religion, caste, money etc. 9) Good examples are - 1. Sachin Tendulkar - no education, but still respected by all.
Unless you make it mandatory, nobody would care to do it. Only when it's mandatory, would it become an election issue. Only then would leaders work to acquire the mandatory minimum qualifications.
You can declare that it would be mandatory after after 5 years for the lower rungs and 10 years for the higher legislature. Leaders can utilise the time to read up and acquire the minimum qualifications. Enforce it sternly after that. Nitty gritties of the implementation are in no way reasons to dump a necessary step.
8) It is not politicians, rather voters should have qualification. So that, they do not vote on the basis of religion, caste, money etc. 9) Good examples are - 1. Sachin Tendulkar - no education, but still respected by all.
This too is not possible, as it impedes Art. 19. People vote on the basis of religion, caste etc. becuase they see their interests aligned and have more trust on such people. Also, people vote such as they do not know about the economy, polity etc. So, they vote on the basis of trust, which in its parochial nature, comes from caste, religion etc.
A much better way will be to enforce accountability measures, such as publicising of the election manifesto, and the promises made and delivered by the party by the Election commission each year. This can keep track of the performance of politicians so that the people can have an informed vote.
We are a secret self-moderated community for Civil Services preparation. Feel free to join, start a discussion, answer a question or just to say Thank you.Just dont spread the word ;)Sign in or join with Facebook or Google
ForumIAS is India’s leading Online website for UPSC IAS Exam Online Preparation and guidance. At ForumIAS, we have a dream. Our dream is to make its members achieve their IAS dream. Today thousands of aspirants have joined the elite services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other central and state services with the right inputs provided by ForumIAS. Take a look at our IAS Toppers
Free IAS Online Preparation Initiatives by ForumIAS
Current affairs is the most important part of UPSC IAS exam. ForumIAS provides a detailed analysis of important news articles through its 9PM brief. In current affairs reading Editorials Online needs an in-depth focus and hence we provide a separate analysis of daily editorials which is not found in any other website. Click the following link to access these free preparation initiatives in Portal . ForumIAS also provides compilations and Free downloads for UPSC IAS preparation
Knowing is never enough for IAS exam. An IAS aspirant must be engaged in answer writing practice to do well in UPSC IAS Mains Exam. ForumIAS has launched a Mains Marathon initiative for IAS mains Online answer writing. Click here to access UPSC Mains Marathon initiative . For Daily Must Read Newspaper articles, Visit Must Read Newspaper page here. Must Read Newspaper is an Initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide Current Affairs links to the Must Read Articles of The Day from Newspaper.
UPSC Syllabus
The most important part of UPSC IAS exam is its syllabus and there is a need to take an in-depth look at it. Click here to view the UPSC IAS Prelims syllabus. Visit UPSC IAS syllabus page here
UPSC IAS Study Material
ForumIAS is the repository of many toppers’ Online study materials for GS Mains and Optional subjects. The most unique thing about it is that they are handwritten by toppers themselves. Click here for UPSC sample notes
Interview Preparation for IAS
Interview is the last and crucial stage for becoming an IAS officer. How to prepare for it? We provide a solution. ForumIAS is the only online website where quality IAS interview preparations happen. Online Current affairs from an interview perspective are extensively discussed and specific preparation based on candidate’s profile and hobbies can be done. Please visit this link for UPSC Interview Preparation
At ForumIAS we have an exclusive Online page to read the UPSC Interview Transcripts
Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
IFoS is one of the most sought after All India Service. ForumIAS provides the right approach to excel in this exam through their toppers who have shared their success mantras and their study materials in an elaborate manner.
About Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
IAS is considered as one of the best jobs on earth. IAS officers hold the most important positions in Central and State Governments and in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). They also represent India in international organizations. They take the most important decisions in the administration of Government policies and development programs.
About Indian Police Service (IPS)
IPS officers occupy higher positions in the State Police Departments, Central Armed Police Forces and Intelligence Agencies. Their most important responsibilities are maintenance of Law and Order and internal security.
About Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
IFS officers serve as diplomats in international missions and embassies of India around the world and in prominent international organizations like United Nations (UN), World Bank, and IMF. They work to promote India’s interests from a bilateral and a global perspective.
The Study portal is a single point of online IAS preparation through its several initiatives like the Must Read News Articles, the 9 PM Brief, the Mains Marathon. If you are preparing for IAS exam online, ForumIAS is the place to go. ForumIAS is proud of ForumIAS Alumni in UPSC Service who have secured top Ranks in past 5 years.
Visit Us At
ForumIAS - Offline Guidance Centre
ForumIAS Academy, 1st Floor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Opposite Metro Pillar 95-96, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005,
View Google Map Location
Comments
1. Are we at that stage yet? With more than 26% of our population still completely illiterate, will the step of introducing minimum qualifications act towards improving governance or will it covertly and implicitly work towards excluding a large electorate from contesting elections?
2. Introducing such reforms at the grassroots stage acts in violation to the very concept of grassroots democracy itself. Inherent within the concept of grassroots democracy is the fundamental principle of participation and inclusion.
3. Hypothetically, what is the extent to which we, as a nation, are willing to go in order to usher in governance reforms? Can this be also argued that in future, the right to vote is also curtailed in a similar manner where age criteria, along with a minimum educational qualification determines the eligibility to cast a vote? Certainly the right to vote is NOT a fundamental right, it is a mere constitutional right which can be amended. Will this step be accepted too, in hopes of better governance? If not, then why this one?
4. The root cause of inefficiency in governance system is corruption and not illiteracy per say. And corruption is not at all correlated to the education of a person. An educated grassroots governance structure is no less likely to indulge in corruption than an uneducated one. Eliminating corruption and ensuring better vigilance and anti-corruption measures should be given priority to usher in governance reforms than introducing any such big bang reforms which can have unintended consequences like exclusion of a large electorate from contesting elections.
Minimum qualifications :
1. Class XII pass with
2. Basic financial literacy
3. Basic computer literacy
4. Introductory ethics
Point 3 can be waived for functionaries who do not need to use a computer. This should be the minimum qualification for all levels below state / ut / central legislature.
With adult education, it's not impossible to acquire the required qualifications at any age. Accelerated programs could be designed for those who want to opt for them.
The higher legislature must have an additional set of qualifications :
5. A bachelor's degree in any subject
6. Minimum 3 years of work experience in the
relevant field of study (to weed out degree buyers).
7. UPSC CSE Mains syllabus (minimum pass marks)
8. Basic financial accounting
Of these qualifications, 5 and 6 must be acquired before applying for election as an MP / MLA. Rest of the things must be taught in an MP training academy on their first election within a period of 2 years of their election.
The administration of a country cannot be left in the hands of people who don't even know what they're doing.
this law will also reduce women participation in elections.
highers focus and spending on 'education for all' is the key and it will take time.
Taking it one by one.
Educational qualifications should not be mandatory.
The politicians are representatives of the people. i.e. they are of the same class background. If the people are illiterate in a constituency, how can you expect their representative to be educated? How will the people trust him? They will think he is just conspiring with the educated modern elites.
But how to strike a balance?
The whole problem according to me is the problem involving separation of powers. The constitution envisages the legislature as goal setters, who will guide the nation. Perform a check on the functioning. Induce accountability.
They do not formulate policies. That job is left to the executive. Now here lies the problem.
The executive in India consists of both a permanent bureaucracy i.e. civil services, and the temporary elected representatives. It is seen that the permanent bureaucracy has the vision and ability to take long term decisions as they do not have to worry about elections. That is why the RBI is able to control the Indian economy, and not screw it up as has happened in Brasil.
While the elected executive worry more about short term. The constitution envisaged a balance between both when it formed a mixed system in India.
But, this system is broken as the balance of powers is broken. The civil service is at the mercy of the politicians as they cannot function independenty. They cannot give honest advice, as the politicians want someone to follow them, rather than advice them.
Thus, the important function of the civil service, i.e. being a medium to provide advice, and knowledge to the uneducated politicians lays broken. And this, for me, is the root of all problems.
It may immediately reduce the women participation, but would politics encourage women to seek education in the medium and long term ?
Just arguments.
But I personally believe that education should not be compulsory to be a leader.
why should not make education compulsory for leaders, because
1) 60% of population who has not passed middle school, would be disqualify to contest elections.
toh kya garib aadmi election nahi lad sakta, garib aadmi leader nahi ban sakta kya??
2) Right to Education is provided only upto 8th standard, and we want people to have education upto 10th standard to fight panchayat elections.
3) When Right to vote under Art. 326 of constitution, then there should be right to contest election as well.
4) When highly educated politicians, bureaucrats are found engaged in corruption activities. How can we think of education as criteria to improve system.
5) We have fear in kerala, where corporate sector is capturing power in panchayats. This kind of law can intensify such fear.
6) There is no defined education, what type of education - knowledge of History, Geography, Engineering... Is that required to be a good leader?? Or social service, moral education, devotion to help people is required to be a good leader? These things can't be inculcated in people. These are intrinsic qualities of an indivisual.
7) This way, we are comparing population below 10th standard with criminals, as both are disqualified to contest elections.
8) It is not politicians, rather voters should have qualification. So that, they do not vote on the basis of religion, caste, money etc.
9) Good examples are - 1. Sachin Tendulkar - no education, but still respected by all.
You can declare that it would be mandatory after after 5 years for the lower rungs and 10 years for the higher legislature. Leaders can utilise the time to read up and acquire the minimum qualifications. Enforce it sternly after that. Nitty gritties of the implementation are in no way reasons to dump a necessary step.
A much better way will be to enforce accountability measures, such as publicising of the election manifesto, and the promises made and delivered by the party by the Election commission each year. This can keep track of the performance of politicians so that the people can have an informed vote.