The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Constitution of India lays down specific qualifications for candidates contesting elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures, such as citizenship, age, and holding an office of profit. However, it deliberately omits educational qualifications as a prerequisite for candidacy. This omission is grounded in the democratic principles of inclusivity and the socio-economic reality of the country.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: At the time of independence, and even subsequently, a significant portion of the Indian population did not possess formal education. Prescribing an educational qualification would have effectively debarred a vast majority of citizens from contesting elections. This would violate the democratic principle of providing equal opportunity to all citizens to participate in the political process.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The ability to understand people's concerns, empathize with their problems, and represent their interests is not solely dependent on formal educational degrees. Wisdom, character, and experience in public life are considered vital attributes for a representative, which are not necessarily linked to academic qualifications.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Restricting candidacy based on formal education is generally viewed as being against the spirit of a truly representative democracy. It would create an elitist structure where only the educated few could govern, thereby undermining the sovereignty of the people, many of whom may be illiterate but politically conscious.
Key Takeaway:
The absence of educational qualifications for contesting elections in India ensures that the political arena remains accessible to the common citizen, preventing the disenfranchisement of the non-literate population and upholding the ethos of universal adult franchise.