The One Nation One Election Update 2024 has taken a significant step forward with the Modi Cabinet approving the proposal to synchronize elections for both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The move aims to streamline the election process across India by holding all major elections on a single schedule. The high-level committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report earlier this year, providing a roadmap for the implementation of this ambitious initiative.
Cabinet Approval and Next Steps
The Modi Cabinet’s approval of the One Nation One Election Update 2024 was confirmed by sources, and the Union government is now preparing to introduce the bill during the Winter Session of Parliament. The proposal has been the subject of extensive discussions and consultations, with a strong focus on simplifying India’s election schedule, reducing costs, and promoting social and political stability.
The One Nation One Election initiative seeks to align elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, ensuring that voters across the country participate in simultaneous polls, potentially reducing the frequency of elections and associated expenses. The Union Cabinet is expected to place the report of the high-level committee before Parliament as the next step toward implementing the changes.
Panel Recommendations
The One Nation One Election Update 2024 stems from the recommendations made by the committee led by Ram Nath Kovind. In March, the panel submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu, outlining several key changes. These include simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, and the creation of a unified electoral roll and voter ID cards.
The committee emphasized the potential benefits of this approach, noting that synchronized elections could lead to better resource allocation, enhanced social cohesion, and more stable governance. According to the panel, simultaneous polls could help strengthen India’s democratic framework by minimizing election fatigue and reducing the disruptions caused by repeated polls at different times.
One of the critical suggestions from the committee was the need to prepare a common electoral roll, managed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in collaboration with state election authorities. The current system requires separate electoral rolls for Lok Sabha, assembly, and local body elections, which the new system seeks to consolidate into one.
Constitutional Amendments Proposed
To implement One Nation One Election, the panel proposed 18 constitutional amendments. These changes would facilitate the simultaneous elections by addressing current inconsistencies in the election schedule for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats.
Most of the amendments recommended would not require ratification by state legislatures, but some key proposals, such as the single electoral roll and unified voter ID cards, would require the approval of at least half of the states. The bill, once introduced in Parliament, will undergo further scrutiny and debate, given the significant legal and constitutional adjustments required.
Law Commission’s Input
In parallel with the One Nation One Election Update 2024, the Law Commission of India is expected to release its report on the feasibility of simultaneous polls. The commission is anticipated to recommend a phased rollout, with the first simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies beginning by 2029.
Additionally, the Law Commission is likely to propose provisions for addressing situations such as a hung assembly or the passage of a no-confidence motion, ensuring governance continuity even in cases of political deadlock.
Benefits of One Nation One Election
Supporters of One Nation One Election argue that it offers multiple advantages. Firstly, it could save significant public funds by reducing the frequency of elections and associated costs such as deployment of election personnel, security forces, and logistics.
Secondly, the proposal aims to minimize the disruptions to governance caused by repeated elections. With simultaneous elections, governments at the central and state levels would be able to focus on policymaking and implementation without the distraction of continuous election cycles. This could lead to more efficient governance and longer-term planning.
Lastly, synchronized elections may enhance voter engagement and participation, as citizens would only need to vote once every five years for all levels of government, potentially reducing voter fatigue.
Challenges and Opposition
While One Nation One Election has received support from various quarters, it also faces criticism and logistical challenges. Opponents argue that aligning elections across all states and the central government could lead to complex political and operational issues, particularly in states where governments fall before completing their full term.
There are also concerns about whether smaller regional issues may be overshadowed by national campaigns during simultaneous elections, which could affect the balance of local governance and political representation.
Conclusion
The One Nation One Election Update 2024 marks a significant shift in India’s electoral landscape, aiming to streamline and synchronize elections across the country. With the Modi Cabinet’s approval, the proposal is now set to be introduced in Parliament during the Winter Session. While it promises benefits such as cost savings, enhanced governance, and better voter engagement, the proposal also faces hurdles in terms of implementation and political consensus.
As India prepares for potential electoral reforms, the country awaits further developments on how One Nation One Election will shape the future of Indian democracy.
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