Rajasthan Scraps Decades-Old Two-Child Norm for Local Body Elections

Historic Decision by Rajasthan Cabinet

In a significant move, the Rajasthan Cabinet on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, approved the removal of the three-decade-old two-child norm that barred individuals with more than two children from contesting Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections. The decision, taken by the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led BJP government, is set to amend Section 19 of the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and Section 24 of the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, 2009.

The Origin of the Two-Child Norm

The two-child norm was originally introduced on November 27, 1995, during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat. Its primary objective was population control, a pressing concern at the time when Rajasthan's fertility rate stood at 3.6 between 1991 and 1994. The provision disqualified any person with more than two children from participating in local elections, though an exemption was made for those who had a third child before the norm's implementation date.

Reasons for Repeal and Expected Impact

The state government cited a significant decline in Rajasthan's fertility rate to approximately 2 as a key reason for repealing the norm, stating that the provision had become 'outdated' and lost its relevance. Law Minister Jogaram Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, and Industries Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore addressed the media, highlighting that there had been widespread demand to scrap the provision, as it prevented many eligible individuals from serving as public representatives. The removal is expected to:

• Widen the pool of eligible candidates for local elections.
• Reshape grassroots politics in the state.
• Align with previous relaxations made for government employees regarding similar norms for promotions.

The necessary amendment bills, including the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Rajasthan Municipalities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, are slated for introduction and passage in the ongoing Assembly session.

Additional Cabinet Decisions

In addition to the electoral reform, the Cabinet also approved other significant measures. These include the removal of 'leprosy' as a disqualifying disease from the Rajasthan Municipalities Act, ensuring equal opportunity for all individuals to contest municipal elections. Furthermore, the establishment of a new Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Economic Offences was approved to combat financial crimes and enhance fiscal discipline.