The efforts to stop tainted politicians from contesting elections should start at the grass root level-from our children who are going to be the citizens of tomorrow. The civics/political science/social studies curriculum should be taught in schools not as a boring, cumbersome subject to be crammed ,but it should be made understanding based, inculcating the real meaning of democracy and the process of voting so that they can use it effectively in the future as responsible adults.

As youngsters and adults who already are in the process of casting votes, people should be educated and made aware about the tainted politicians, their wrongdoings or bad characters, or any criminal cases linked to them.

Media can always play an important role in such a process. For those who live in far flung areas with no exposure to media, a rural campaign should be launched right from the step go-i.e. While their voter I cards are being made. How about introducing the process of an objective test, similar to the ones being done before issuing driving licenses, where one is required to identify some basic road signs .

The biggest tool in the hands of common people is the right to vote. By not attending to rallies and campaigns of tainted politicians and not voting for them would be very effective in eliminating such people.

Rejection of candidature of such people by the election commission and framing of constitutional laws at the national level are such other steps which can be taken at national level.