Youth Representation: Quest for Generational Pluralism and Leadership in the Indian Parliament

Background: With rapid technological advancements and increased digital media exposure, the younger generation is evolving at an unprecedented pace, influencing their aspirations and perspectives. However, the existing political landscape, predominantly occupied by older generations, struggles to comprehend the dynamism of today's youth. This struggle exacerbates the challenge of intergenerational connection, evident in the rise of nuclear families. Globally, while the youth constitute a significant demographic share, their representation in parliamentary bodies remains disproportionately low. According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) 2023 report, despite 50% of the world's population being under 30 years old, only 2.8% of parliamentarians fall within this age group. Objectives: This study investigates the challenges and opportunities surrounding youth representation in Indian politics (Parliament), considering the generational gap and the evolving socio-political landscape. The study seeks to understand the implications of limited youth representation and explores ways to enhance their active meaningful involvement in shaping political decisions in national interest. It strives to capture the narrative and challenges of youth representation in India in the context of politics and legal developments. Data and Method: To assess the actual representation of young individuals in Indian politics, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining statistical analysis of Parliamentary records, electoral statistics, and demographic data with qualitative insights from a review of relevant literature and policy documents. Additionally, this comprehensive approach aims to provide a thorough understanding of the context, illuminating the challenges and opportunities for fostering intergenerational understanding and perspectives among both young and older political stakeholders. For the analysis, recent projected population figures, as per the National Commission on Population (2020), for India and its states up to 2036 have been utilized. Furthermore, electoral data have been sourced from the electronic depository of the Election Commission of India. Result: Preliminary findings reveal a significant gap between the demographic composition of the youth and their representation in Indian political bodies. The data indicate that, despite the dynamic nature of the youth population, their political representation is disproportionately low. Literature and statistical analysis provide insights into the barriers hindering youth representation and propose strategies to bridge the generational gap in Indian politics. The study also underscores the progressive attitudes of the youth on issues like the caste system (Social justice) and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the importance of incorporating their perspectives to address the complex challenges faced by society. This research contributes to the discourse on democratic inclusivity by addressing the crucial need for increased youth participation in decision-making processes, ensuring a more representative and dynamic political landscape in India. It suggests a comprehensive engagement with the questions the issue generates to reform the political disparities.