By which Constitutional Amendment the Age of adult suffrage in India was reduced from 21 years to 18 years ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer to the question is Option 2, which refers to the 61st Constitutional Amendment of India. This amendment is significant because it lowered the voting age from 21 years to 18 years, thereby expanding the democratic rights of the Indian population and allowing a larger segment of the youth to participate in the electoral process.

1. **Explanation for Option 2 (Correct Answer):**
   - The 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988, was enacted to amend Article 326 of the Indian Constitution. This amendment was a landmark decision aimed at increasing the involvement of younger citizens in the democratic process. By reducing the voting age to 18 years, the amendment recognized the maturity and capability of younger individuals to contribute to the nation's decision-making. This change was implemented to encourage greater political participation among the youth and to reflect the demographic realities of the country.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**
   - **Option 1 (59th Amendment):** The 59th Constitutional Amendment, enacted in 1988, dealt with the extension of President's rule in Punjab and did not pertain to the voting age. It was related to the security situation in Punjab at the time and allowed for the extension of emergency provisions in the state.
   - **Option 3 (63rd Amendment):** The 63rd Constitutional Amendment, enacted in 1989, repealed the 59th Amendment, thereby removing the special provisions related to Punjab. It did not address the voting age or any aspect of adult suffrage.
   - **Option 4 (71st Amendment):** The 71st Constitutional Amendment, enacted in 1992, was concerned with the inclusion of Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. It had no connection to the voting age or electoral reforms.

In conclusion, the 61st Constitutional Amendment is the correct answer as it specifically addressed the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 years, thereby enhancing the democratic framework of India by empowering its youth.