Gerontocracy in Indian Politics: The Growing Age Gap Between Rulers and the Ruled UPSC NOTE

Gerontocracy in Indian Politics: The Growing Age Gap Between Rulers and the Ruled

Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Parliament, Political Parties, Elections); Demographics of India.
Mains:

General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India; Population and associated issues. The disconnect between a young population and an old political class is a key social issue.
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these; Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

The phenomenon of Gerontocracy (rule by elders) is increasing in India and globally, where political leadership is becoming older.
The current Lok Sabha is the "oldest" in the history of India. The average age of MPs, which was 46.5 years in 1952, rose to 56 years by 2014.
The number of younger members (25-40 years) decreased from 25-30% to less than 10%.
The median age of India's population is below 30. However, this youth is poorly reflected in political leadership.
BJP's unofficial age limit of 75 years and the RSS chief's statement reignited discussions on this issue.
This trend creates a significant disconnect between the aspirations of the youth and the perspectives of those leading the country.

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