A Study of Eligibility Criteria for Legislature in India

India is considered the largest democracy in the world, but what would happen if democracies had uneducated and corrupt leaders. The concept of democracy is a political philosophy and an ideal practiced by many nations, which is culturally advanced and politically mature, by resorting to governance by representatives of the people elected directly or indirectly. The universal adult franchise was a bold and ambitious political move and a symbol of the abiding faith that the government implemented in the country. Generally, in India, the significance of a political leader is understood in connection with gathering crowds and polarizing the populace for winning the election. But we must remember that an elected candidate's duties entails much more than that. A candidate who is elected serves in the Council of Ministers and the State Legislature, where he is required to participate in discussions and vote on a range of matters that might one day be enacted into law and have an impact on our daily lives. The Representation of the People's Act, 1951 which deals with the conduct of elections in the country has not stipulated any minimum educational qualification for People's Representatives. This research paper will analyze the probable mindset behind not prescribing any basic minimum educational qualification for the legislature in India and will explore the possibilities of introducing the same, to make quality of contributions of people's representatives at various levels. Further, it will look into the need of introducing minimum educational qualification and will also suggest some modal laws which can be introduced in the country.