Why this matters now
The 61st Amendment is the most consequential single electoral reform in independent India by sheer numbers — it added ~50 million 18-20 year olds to the electorate overnight. India joined ~75 other democracies (US, UK, France, Australia, etc.) already at 18.
Background: youth franchise call
The demand to lower the voting age had been raised by youth groups since the 1970s. Internationally, the US had lowered its age to 18 by the 26th Amendment in 1971; the UK by the Representation of the People Act 1969. PM Rajiv Gandhi — himself elected with a youth-heavy mandate in 1984 — pushed the Bill in 1989.
Key change
Article 326 was amended — the words “not less than twenty-one years of age” were replaced with “not less than eighteen years of age”. The Article reads: “The elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage; that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age... and is not otherwise disqualified... shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election.”
Impact
The 1989 general election was the first under the new age. The youngest electors are now first-time voters at 18; Indian elections from 1989 onwards have systematically targeted the youth vote (parties, EC voter-enrolment drives). In subsequent years, calls to lower the age further to 16 (UK Scotland) or raise it to 21 have surfaced — the 18 threshold remains stable.
UPSC angle
Know 61st Amendment 1989 — lowered voting age from 21 to 18 years for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections, by amending Article 326; PM Rajiv Gandhi; brought into force 28 March 1989, first applied at the November 1989 general election; added ~50 million new 18-20 yr old voters.
Frequently asked questions
What did the 61st Amendment do?
Lowered the minimum voting age for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections from 21 to 18.
Which Article was amended?
Article 326 — by replacing “twenty-one” with “eighteen” years.
When did the new age take effect?
From 28 March 1989; the November 1989 general election was the first held under it.
How many new voters did it add?
Roughly 50 million 18-20 year olds.