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12 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Parliamentary Panel on Simultaneous Polls Receives Extension Until 2026

Parliamentary Panel on Simultaneous Polls Receives Extension Until 2026

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The Joint Committee of Parliament, tasked with examining the Bills proposing simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, has been granted an extension. The committee's tenure now extends to the first day of the last week of the 2026 Budget session. The extension was prompted by the need for more time to consult with various stakeholders and experts on this significant electoral reform.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

The Joint Committee on simultaneous polls received an extension until the 2026 Budget session.

2.

The committee has consulted with constitutional experts, economists, and the Law Commission Chairman.

3.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Kapil Sibal appeared before the committee as an expert.

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Constitutional amendments required

2.

Impact on regional parties

3.

Logistical challenges

दृश्य सामग्री

Timeline of Simultaneous Elections Discussions and Developments

This timeline highlights key events and committee formations related to the discussion and implementation of simultaneous elections in India, culminating in the recent extension granted to the Joint Committee of Parliament.

The idea of simultaneous elections has been debated for decades, with various committees and commissions examining its feasibility and benefits. The current extension highlights the complexity and ongoing nature of this electoral reform effort.

  • 1951-1967Simultaneous elections held regularly in India.
  • 1983Election Commission of India (ECI) suggests simultaneous elections.
  • 1999Law Commission of India recommends exploring the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
  • 2015Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice recommends simultaneous elections.
  • 2016NITI Aayog publishes a working paper on simultaneous elections.
  • 2018Law Commission submits a draft report supporting simultaneous elections.
  • 2019Prime Minister Modi reiterates the need for a national consensus on simultaneous elections.
  • 2022Government proposes the idea of 'One Nation, One Election'.
  • 2023Formation of a high-level committee to examine the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
  • 2023Joint Committee of Parliament formed to examine bills proposing simultaneous elections.
  • 2024Joint Committee on Simultaneous Elections receives extension until 2026.
और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

The idea of simultaneous elections has been debated in India for several years, aiming to reduce election expenditure and ensure policy continuity. It was prevalent in India until 1967.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

The Joint Committee of Parliament has been granted an extension to examine the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of 'One Nation, One Election': 1. It proposes holding elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies simultaneously. 2. The primary argument in favor is the reduction of election-related expenditure. 3. Implementing this requires amendments to the Constitution of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

All three statements are correct. 'One Nation, One Election' aims for simultaneous elections, reduces expenditure, and necessitates constitutional amendments.

2. Which of the following constitutional articles would likely require amendment to implement simultaneous elections in India? 1. Article 83 relating to the duration of Houses of Parliament. 2. Article 172 relating to the duration of State Legislatures. 3. Article 356 relating to President's Rule. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

All three articles might require amendment to synchronize the terms of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, and to address scenarios arising from premature dissolution.

3. Assertion (A): Simultaneous elections can potentially reduce the disruption to normal public life caused by frequent elections. Reason (R): Frequent elections lead to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, which can stall developmental activities. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why simultaneous elections can reduce disruption.

4. Which of the following is NOT a potential challenge associated with the implementation of simultaneous elections in India?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

While logistical challenges and concerns about regional parties are valid, the primary argument for simultaneous elections is to reduce the overall cost of elections, not increase it.

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