NEW DELHI: Nov 5, Reuter: India will soon lower the voting age to 18 from 21, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi said on Saturday.
Gandhi told the central committee of his ruling congress (l) party a proposal to this effect would be brought before parliament soon, the United News of India agency reported.
Congress (l) has big majorities in both houses so the bill’s approval is assured. It will enfranchise at least 30 million more of India’s 800 million people in time for general elections due by the end of 1989.
In another resolution, the committee called on the government to rule that 30 percent of seats in state and central government elections should be reserved for women.
It recommended the appointment of a commissioner for women’s rights and stronger laws against rape, suttee (widow burning) and the payment of dowries.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 11, 1988
