NAVI MUMBAI: A study of 537 affidavits of civic candidates revealed that 123 have studied up to class X. The research conducted by Maharashtra Election Watch and Association of Democratic Reforms also mentioned that as many as seven of the 537 candidates were illiterate, while 97 had studied up to class XII.

Though there are a total of 568 candidates, MEW and ADR found incomplete affidavits of the remaining 31 candidates, and limited their research to 537 candidates.

"Many social groups highlighted the criminal records and financial assets of the candidates. Now, even the educational backgrounds of the contestants are out for the voters to know,'' said activist Jaspal Naol of Socially Active Youth in Action (Saya).

Nerul resident and animal activist, Arati Chauhan told TOI, "I feel that the educational qualification of a candidate does not really matter. What really matters that whether they will actually work for the good governance of the ward."

A Koparkhairane resident, K Sudhir, added, "In the past, there used to be politicians who were not well educated, but they did well as people's leaders. However, in today's time and age, it is important for the leader to be at least a graduate or clear HSC.''

The study showed that 74% of the candidates (not including those who are illiterate) are class XII pass or below.

Belapur resident and member of sector 15 Walkers Foundation, Charu Satam said, "A majority of the sector 15 residents are well educated. Hence, we expect our corporator to be also educated."