Research shows "Young" MPs are Hype & Slackers

So much for all the HYPE that "Younger" politicians are better. First-timers, young MPs' performance below average says PRS Legislative Research in their study "Activity of First-term, Young and Women MPs" released on August 7, 2009. It says 27 percent of the first-timers did not speak even once, while some 38 percent of young MPs remained quiet in Lok Sabha. 33 percent of Women MPs did not speak at all.

Each first-term MP participated in about 2.0 debates as compared to 2.5 for an average MP. For most parties, participation of first-term MPs was less than that of their more experienced colleagues.

Young MPs' form 59 percent of the strength of the Lok Sabha but their participation in debates was 49 percent. Young MPs from the BJP were more active than their older colleagues. Young MPs from Congress, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party participated less than their party averages.

Women MPs constitute 11 percent of Lok Sabha, they recorded a participation of eight percent. Across most parties, participation by women MPs was slightly lower than party average. Women MPs of BJP matched their male counterparts.

You can read the complete PDF report here: "Activity of First-term, Young and Women MPs"

Other sources:

• First-timers, young MPs' performance below average: Study