Law Commission to Brief Parliament on 'One Nation, One Election' Proposal
The Law Commission will brief a parliamentary panel on its report concerning simultaneous elections, or 'One Nation, One Election'.
Photo by Maahid Photos
The Law Commission of India is gearing up to brief a parliamentary standing committee on its report regarding 'One Nation, One Election' – the idea of holding Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. This concept has been a hot topic of debate, with proponents arguing it would save public money, reduce the burden on administrative and security forces, and ensure policy continuity by avoiding the Model Code of Conduct frequently. However, critics raise concerns about its feasibility, potential impact on regional parties, and the need for significant constitutional amendments.
The Law Commission's report is expected to delve into the legal and constitutional implications, suggesting necessary amendments to achieve this electoral reform. This briefing is a crucial step in the ongoing discussion about reforming India's electoral process.
मुख्य तथ्य
Law Commission to brief parliamentary panel
Topic: 'One Nation, One Election' (simultaneous polls)
Aims to save money, reduce administrative burden, ensure policy continuity
Requires constitutional amendments
UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Constitutional amendments required for ONOE (Articles 83, 172, 356, etc.)
Role and functions of the Law Commission of India and Election Commission of India
Impact of ONOE on India's federal structure and regional parties
Logistical challenges of conducting simultaneous elections (EVMs, security, manpower)
Historical context of simultaneous elections in India and reasons for their disruption
Model Code of Conduct and its implications for governance
Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951
दृश्य सामग्री
Evolution of 'One Nation, One Election' in India
This timeline illustrates the historical practice, disruption, and revival of the 'One Nation, One Election' concept in India, leading up to the current Law Commission's briefing to Parliament.
India initially practiced simultaneous elections for the first four general elections, reflecting a synchronized electoral system. However, political instability and premature dissolutions of legislative bodies led to the staggered election cycle. The idea of 'One Nation, One Election' has been periodically revived by various governmental and advisory bodies, reflecting a persistent debate on electoral efficiency, costs, and governance continuity.
- 1952-1967India holds simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections for the first four general elections.
- 1967-1971Premature dissolution of some State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha disrupts the simultaneous election cycle.
- 1983Election Commission of India (ECI) first suggests returning to simultaneous elections in its annual report.
- 1999Law Commission of India's 170th Report on 'Reform of the Electoral Laws' recommends simultaneous elections.
- 2015Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice examines the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
- 2018Law Commission of India's 'Draft Report and Working Paper' on simultaneous elections is released, suggesting constitutional amendments.
- 2019Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocates for 'One Nation, One Election' at an all-party meeting.
- 2020The 22nd Law Commission is constituted, later tasked with examining the feasibility of 'One Nation, One Election'.
- 2023 (Sept)A high-level committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is formed to examine the feasibility and framework for ONOE.
- 2024 (Current)Law Commission to brief a parliamentary standing committee on its report regarding 'One Nation, One Election'.
और जानकारी
पृष्ठभूमि
The idea of 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) is not new to India. The country initially held simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections from 1952 to 1967. However, due to premature dissolutions of some state assemblies and later the Lok Sabha itself, this cycle was disrupted.
Over the decades, various committees and commissions, including the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Law Commission, and parliamentary standing committees, have examined the feasibility and implications of reverting to simultaneous elections. Proponents argue for cost savings, administrative efficiency, and policy continuity, while critics raise concerns about federalism, regional party impact, and constitutional challenges.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. With reference to the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal in India, consider the following statements: 1. The Law Commission of India is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament. 2. Implementing 'One Nation, One Election' would necessitate amendments to Articles 83 and 172 of the Constitution of India. 3. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a statutory provision under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Law Commission of India is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India, not a statutory body under an Act of Parliament. Statement 2 is correct. Articles 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and 172 (duration of State Legislatures) would require amendments to synchronize election cycles and manage premature dissolutions. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines evolved with the consensus of political parties, enforced by the Election Commission of India, but it does not have statutory backing under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
2. In the context of 'One Nation, One Election' in India, consider the following statements: 1. India successfully conducted simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections for the first four general elections. 2. The Election Commission of India has, at various times, expressed its readiness to conduct simultaneous elections, provided necessary legal and logistical frameworks are in place. 3. The concept of 'One Nation, One Election' would necessitate amendments to the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
Statement 1 is correct. India held simultaneous elections in 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967. Statement 2 is correct. The ECI has, in its reports and statements, indicated its willingness and capacity to conduct simultaneous elections, subject to the necessary constitutional and legal amendments, and availability of resources like EVMs and security personnel. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Tenth Schedule deals with anti-defection law, which is not directly related to the synchronization of election cycles. The primary constitutional amendments required would be related to the duration of legislative bodies (Articles 83, 172) and dissolution powers (Articles 85, 174, 356).
3. Assertion (A): Implementing 'One Nation, One Election' could potentially weaken regional parties and reduce the accountability of state governments. Reason (R): Simultaneous elections might lead to national issues overshadowing regional concerns, and a single electoral cycle could diminish the frequency of public scrutiny. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Assertion (A) is true. Critics argue that simultaneous elections could lead to voters prioritizing national issues and leaders over regional ones, thereby disadvantaging regional parties. It could also reduce the frequency with which state governments are held accountable through elections. Reason (R) is also true and correctly explains A. When Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are held together, there's a higher chance of a 'coattail effect' where national issues and the popularity of national leaders influence state election outcomes. Less frequent elections mean fewer opportunities for voters to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with state-level governance, potentially reducing accountability.