Question

The voting age in India was lowered from $21$ years to $18$ years by which Amendment Act of the Constitution?
(a) ${24^{th}}$ Amendment Act,$1971$
(b) ${42^{nd}}$ Amendment Act, $1976$
(c) ${44^{th}}$ Amendment Act, $1978$
(d) ${61^{st}}$ Amendment Act, $1989$

Answer 1

Hint: The move gave the younger generation an opportunity to be the change-makers and to actively participate and support the political processes. This provision has made India the largest democracy in the world. The provision had also helped the citizens to exercise their Right to vote.

Complete answer:
The Sixty-first Amendment of the Constitution of India, officially known as the Sixty-First Amendment Act, $1989$ lowered the voting age of casting elections to the Lok Sabha and to the Legislative Assemblies of States from age $21$ years to $18$ years. It has been specified that many countries have specified eighteen years of the voting age so as to promote the masses to vote.
Thus option (d) is the correct answer
 Effects of reducing the age from $21$ years to $18$ years result in:
(i) Increased participation in the political processes as India has the largest number of voters compared to any other democratic country.
(ii) The change is not just quantitative but qualitative as well since new parties are emerging with the greater support of the young voters.
(iii) It encourages youth participation to a greater level.
(iv) It reflects the political maturity of India that empowers and actively works towards helping its citizens to exercise their Right to move.
So, the correct answer is Option D.


Note: Other Important Constitutional Amendments:
1. ${24^{th}}$ Amendment Act, $1971$: This Amendment act made it obligatory for the president to give his assent to a Constitutional amendment bill.
2. ${42^{nd}}$ Amendment Act,$1976$ : This Amendment act is popularly called a Mini Constitution.
 3. ${44^{th}}$ Amendment Act, $1978$ : Right to property was removed from the list of Fundamental rights by this amendment act.