Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward.

Introduction

The participation of young individuals with ethical conduct in active politics is crucial for fostering transparency, accountability, and good governance. However, the reluctance of such individuals to join politics stems from factors like corruption, lack of inclusivity, and the perception of politics as a morally compromised domain. Addressing these challenges is essential to motivate ethical youth to engage in political processes.

Value Addition Block — Key Challenges at a Glance

Steps to Motivate Ethical Youth to Join Politics

1. Reforming Political Systems

• Electoral Reforms: Introduce measures like state funding of elections and stricter monitoring of election expenditures to reduce the influence of money and muscle power.
• Transparency in Political Parties: Mandate internal democracy and financial transparency in political parties to create a fair and ethical environment.
• Anti-Corruption Mechanisms: Strengthen institutions like the Lokpal and Lokayuktas to ensure accountability in governance.

2. Promoting Ethical Leadership

• Role Models: Highlight the contributions of ethical leaders like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Aruna Roy to inspire youth.
• Mentorship Programs: Establish platforms where experienced leaders mentor young aspirants, emphasizing the importance of ethics in public life.

3. Educational Interventions

• Incorporating Ethics in Education: Introduce courses on political ethics and civic responsibility in school and college curricula.
• Youth Parliaments: Organize mock parliaments and debates to familiarize students with political processes and encourage active participation.

4. Creating Inclusive Platforms

• Youth Quotas in Political Parties: Reserve a percentage of party tickets for young candidates to ensure their representation.
• Digital Platforms for Engagement: Use social media and digital tools to connect with young people and involve them in policy discussions.

5. Addressing Structural Barriers

• Reducing Entry Barriers: Simplify the process of contesting elections and reduce the financial burden on candidates.
• Ensuring Safety: Create mechanisms to protect young politicians from threats and violence, especially in regions with a history of political hostility.

6. Leveraging Media and Campaigns

• Awareness Campaigns: Launch campaigns like “Ethical Politics for a Better Tomorrow” to change the perception of politics as a corrupt domain.
• Showcasing Success Stories: Use media to highlight the achievements of young, ethical politicians to inspire others.

Way Forward

To ensure sustained participation of ethical youth in politics, a multi-stakeholder approach involving the government, educational institutions, civil society, and media is essential. This will not only address systemic challenges but also create a conducive environment for ethical leadership to thrive.

Conclusion

Motivating young people with ethical conduct to join politics is vital for building a transparent, inclusive, and accountable democracy. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering a culture of ethical leadership, India can harness the potential of its youth to transform the political landscape, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).