Hyderabad, November 18, 2025:
The Telangana government has officially removed the long-standing two-child eligibility rule for candidates contesting local body elections. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has approved the ordinance sent by the state government, clearing the final hurdle for the policy change. With this decision, thousands of aspiring candidates who were earlier barred from contesting now regain full eligibility.
Rule Introduced in 1994 to Control Population Growth
The two-child norm was first introduced in 1994 by the then undivided Andhra Pradesh government. It was aimed at promoting population control, especially in rural regions. Under the rule, individuals with more than two children were disqualified from contesting posts such as sarpanch, ward member, MPTC, and ZPTC.
At the time, the law was viewed as a key step to regulate the rising birth rate in several districts. However, with social awareness increasing and government family-planning programmes gaining wider acceptance, the relevance of the rule gradually weakened.
Government Decides to Lift the Restriction Entirely
After reviewing demographic changes and public concerns, the Telangana government decided that the rule no longer aligned with current social realities. Officials stated that family size should not restrict a citizen’s democratic right to contest elections.
With the Governor’s approval, the ordinance has now come into effect. As a result:
- Candidates with more than two children can contest any local body position
- Sarpanch, ward member, MPTC, and ZPTC posts are now open to all eligible citizens
- Aspirants previously disqualified under the rule regain full opportunity
- Local politics may see new entrants and more competitive elections
Aspirants Welcome the Move
The decision has triggered discussions across political circles and village communities. Many aspiring leaders have welcomed the move, saying it removes an outdated restriction that prevented capable individuals from entering public life. Some, however, recall the original intention behind the law and say population-related concerns should still be monitored.
A Step Toward Broader Democratic Participation
Government sources say the intention is to ensure that public participation in local governance is not limited by personal family choices. They emphasised that qualities like leadership, service mindset, and problem-solving skills matter more than family size when electing local representatives.
Rural Politics Set for a Major Shift
The removal of the rule is expected to bring noticeable changes in upcoming local body elections. Many leaders who stayed away earlier are preparing to file their nominations again. Political parties may also rework their strategies and candidate selection plans as the electoral landscape widens.
Observers say the new policy could reshape village-level politics, create healthier competition, and bring more voices into local governance.