Young MPs, More Women, Fewer Graduates: Key Stats of New Lok Sabha

Women MPs in Lok Sabha have shot up from 62 to 78.

India has chosen its representatives to the 17th Lok Sabha. But what is it going to look like?

The lower house of Parliament may wear a similar look to its previous avatar as far as the electoral composition is concerned but peek a little closer and one will find a very different looking Lok Sabha.

Drawing from figures published by PRS Legislative Research, we highlight 10 statistics that define the new Lok Sabha.

First Timers

While India has preferred more first timers than incumbent MPs, the proportion of debutants is actually lower than 2014. According to PRS, the 16th Lok Sabha had 314 first-time MPs.

How Old is the Average MP ?

Interestingly, 2014 had seen more MPs above the age of 55 than in any other time in Lok Sabha’s history. The average age this time, however, stands at 54.

A Younger Lok Sabha

This term of Lok Sabha will have fewer MPs above the age of 70 and more MPs below 40.

More Women

The 17th Lok Sabha will witness a significant rise in the number of women MPs.

Women MPs Have Been on the Rise

In fact, the proportion of women in Lok Sabha has steadily been on the rise since 2004. While the first Lok Sabha in 1952 had only 5 percent women representation, the 17th will have over 14 percent.

Women Younger than Male Counterparts

Lok Sabha will not only have more women lawmakers but they’re also younger than their male counterparts.

But Women Representation Still Lags Behind

We have more women in Lok Sabha than ever before but how do our numbers stack up against other democracies around the globe? Neighbour Bangladesh has better representation.

More High School MPs

In 2014, 23 percent of the MPs had studied up to class 12 or less. In 2019, the electorate chose more MPs with education up to 12th class.

But Fewer Graduates

A concern, though, is a dip in the number of the MPs with a graduation degree. Meanwhile, in both 2019 and 2014, 6 percent of our MPs held a PhD.

What Occupations Do Our MPs Come From ?

Unlike 2014, when agriculture was the most common profession among our MPs, 2019 has seen most lawmakers declare ‘political and social work’ as their occupation.