'Two-child norm for Panchayat polls unconstitutional'

Jaipur, July 3 (UNI) The ban on contesting Panchayat elections for candidates having more than two children is against the spirit of the Constitution, West Bengal's Panchayati Raj minister Surya Kant Mishra said here today.

Speaking to reporters at the training camp of Kisan Sabha, he said the ban, which has been imposed in Rajasthan along with some other states, impinges on the right to fight elections and is totally against the Constitution.

Mr Mishra said such a ban cannot control the population as it can be kept in check only by spread of education and knowledge.

He said West Bengal has been able to control its population only through awareness campaigns and by eradicating illiteracy.

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