Rajasthan Assembly scraps 2-child bar for panchayat elections

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Assembly Monday passed the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, removing the two-child norm that barred people with more than two children from contesting elections to Panchayati Raj institutions. The Bill was cleared by voice vote.

The two-child rule was introduced three decades ago by the Bhairon Singh Shekhawat-led BJP govt. It disqualified individuals with over two children from contesting elections to Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.


Replying to the debate, Panchayati Raj minister Madan Dilawar said the rule was brought in to curb rapid population growth at the time, but said conditions have since changed. He cited increased awareness and the spread of education, especially among women, as reasons for a substantial decline in population growth. "Considering the present circumstances, the provision has lost its relevance," Dilawar said.

He said the amendment would allow those earlier disqualified for having more than two children to contest elections and take part in grassroots democracy.

State Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra opposed the Bill, saying the original law aimed at population control. "The intention behind this law was population control. Is population control no longer necessary now?" he asked.

Dotasra called Dilawar a "U-turn minister." "Some leaders wanted the 2-child rule removed because they themselves have 3 or 4 children, so the govt rushed to bring this Bill," he said.

Responding, Dilawar accused the Congress of U-turns, saying the previous Congress govt had already removed provisions denying promotions to govt employees with more than two children. "We are not taking a U-turn. The provision has simply outlived its relevance, and therefore it is being removed," Dilawar said.