Telangana Assembly scraps two-child norm for local body polls, cites falling fertility rate

Hyderabad: The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed a key amendment bill scrapping the two-child norm that disqualified individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections, citing changing demographic realities in the State.

The House approved the Telangana Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, moved by Panchayat Raj Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, replacing an ordinance promulgated earlier with the same objective.

Shift from Population Control to Population Stability

Moving the Bill, Seethakka recalled that the two-child norm was introduced in 1994 as a population control measure at a time when the country was grappling with population explosion and its fallout on food security, employment and poverty during the 1980s and 1990s.

She said that three decades later, the demographic scenario has changed substantially, necessitating a relook at the policy.

Fertility rate drops below replacement level

The Minister informed the Assembly that the fertility rate in rural Telangana has fallen to 1.7, which is below the replacement rate of 2.1.

“If this trend continues, it could have serious long-term implications for the State’s population structure and workforce,” she warned, adding that a sustained decline in population growth could lead to undesirable social and economic consequences.

Ensuring long-term demographic balance

Seethakka said the government is of the view that maintaining the replacement rate at 2.1 is crucial for the long-term welfare of future generations.

The decision to do away with the two-child norm was taken after reviewing population data and holding consultations with representatives of Panchayat Raj institutions across the State.

Amendment to clear way for Local Body Elections

Noting that citizens are increasingly opting for smaller families, the Minister said the amendment to the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018 would remove an outdated disqualification and help facilitate the smooth conduct of local body elections.

Following the debate, the Assembly passed the Bill, formally abolishing the two-child norm for candidates seeking to contest elections to local self-government bodies in Telangana.