19 Mar 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Richa Singh|India

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Parliament Extends Term of Panel on Simultaneous Elections

Parliamentary committee gets extension to study feasibility of 'One Nation, One Election' reform.

UPSC-PrelimsUPSC-Mains

Quick Revision

The Lok Sabha extended the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

The JPC is chaired by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary.

The committee is examining Bills for simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

The JPC was constituted on December 8, 2023.

The committee is examining the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

The 'One Nation, One Election' concept aims to reduce polling personnel deployment and save costs.

The Law Commission of India has previously examined the concept.

The Election Commission of India has expressed readiness to conduct simultaneous polls with necessary legal changes.

Key Dates

December @@8, 2023@@ (JPC constituted)Last week of Monsoon Session (extended term deadline)@@1952@@ to @@1967@@ (period of previous simultaneous elections)

Key Numbers

@@One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment@@ (Bill number)@@three months@@ (original term duration)

Visual Insights

'एक राष्ट्र, एक चुनाव' की यात्रा: प्रमुख घटनाक्रम

यह टाइमलाइन 'एक राष्ट्र, एक चुनाव' की अवधारणा से संबंधित प्रमुख घटनाओं को दर्शाती है, जिसमें पूर्व राष्ट्रपति राम नाथ कोविंद की अध्यक्षता वाली समिति की रिपोर्ट से लेकर वर्तमान में संयुक्त संसदीय समिति (JPC) के कार्यकाल के विस्तार तक के घटनाक्रम शामिल हैं।

भारत में 'एक राष्ट्र, एक चुनाव' की अवधारणा कोई नई नहीं है, बल्कि आजादी के शुरुआती दशकों में यह एक सामान्य प्रथा थी। विभिन्न राजनीतिक और संवैधानिक घटनाक्रमों के कारण यह व्यवस्था टूट गई, लेकिन चुनावी खर्च और प्रशासनिक बोझ को कम करने के लिए इसे फिर से लागू करने पर लगातार चर्चा होती रही है। हाल के वर्षों में, इस पर एक उच्च-स्तरीय समिति की रिपोर्ट और संबंधित विधेयकों की जांच के लिए एक संसदीय समिति का गठन इस दिशा में गंभीर प्रयासों को दर्शाता है।

1951-1967भारत में लोकसभा और राज्य विधानसभाओं के चुनाव एक साथ होते थे.
1983भारत के चुनाव आयोग ने 'एक साथ चुनाव' का प्रस्ताव रखा.
March 2024पूर्व राष्ट्रपति राम नाथ कोविंद की अध्यक्षता वाली उच्च-स्तरीय समिति ने 'एक राष्ट्र, एक चुनाव' पर अपनी रिपोर्ट सौंपी.
September 2024केंद्रीय कैबिनेट ने कोविंद पैनल की सिफारिशों को मंजूरी दी.
December 2024लोकसभा में 'संविधान (एक सौ उनतीसवां संशोधन) विधेयक, 2024' और 'संघ राज्य क्षेत्र कानून (संशोधन) विधेयक, 2024' पेश किए गए.
December 2024लोकसभा अध्यक्ष ओम बिरला ने भाजपा सांसद पी.पी. चौधरी की अध्यक्षता में 39 सदस्यीय संयुक्त संसदीय समिति (JPC) का गठन किया.
March 2026लोकसभा ने 'एक साथ चुनाव' पर बनी JPC का कार्यकाल 2026 के मानसून सत्र के अंतिम सप्ताह तक बढ़ाया.

Mains & Interview Focus

Don't miss it!

The extension of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on simultaneous elections signals the government's sustained commitment to the 'One Nation, One Election' agenda. While proponents cite potential cost savings and administrative efficiencies, this move underscores the profound constitutional and logistical complexities inherent in such a reform. A synchronized electoral cycle, last seen consistently until 1967, necessitates far-reaching amendments to the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Critics argue that forcing simultaneous polls could undermine federalism and voter choice. State-specific issues might get overshadowed by national narratives, potentially diluting accountability of state governments. Furthermore, the practical challenge of managing potential no-confidence motions or premature dissolutions of assemblies without disrupting the synchronized cycle remains a significant hurdle, requiring innovative, yet potentially controversial, constitutional mechanisms.

The Law Commission of India and the Election Commission of India have both acknowledged the feasibility of simultaneous polls, provided the necessary legal and constitutional changes are enacted. However, the political consensus required for such fundamental shifts is currently lacking. Opposition parties frequently express concerns about the impact on regional parties and the democratic process itself.

Any legislative proposal emerging from this JPC will face intense scrutiny. It must address not only the mechanics of synchronization but also the implications for democratic accountability, the role of regional parties, and the potential for a 'super-majoritarian' outcome in elections. The experience of countries like Sweden, which holds elections on a fixed date, offers some lessons, but India's federal structure and diverse political landscape present unique challenges.

Ultimately, the success of 'One Nation, One Election' hinges on its ability to enhance, rather than diminish, democratic participation and accountability. The JPC's extended deliberations must produce a framework that respects India's constitutional ethos and addresses the genuine concerns raised by various stakeholders. A rushed implementation without broad political buy-in could lead to unforeseen constitutional crises and erode public trust in electoral processes.

Exam Angles

Constitutional provisions related to elections and terms of houses (GS-II)

Electoral reforms and their impact on governance (GS-II)

Role of parliamentary committees in policy making (GS-II)

Federalism and Centre-State relations in the context of elections (GS-II)

View Detailed Summary

Summary

Parliament has given more time to a special committee looking into the idea of holding all national and state elections at the same time, often called 'One Nation, One Election'. This committee will now work until the Monsoon Session to study new laws that would make this possible. The goal is to save money and effort by avoiding separate elections throughout the year.

The Lok Sabha has extended the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, chaired by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary, until the last week of the Monsoon Session. This committee is specifically tasked with examining Bills related to the implementation of simultaneous elections for both the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

The extension underscores the ongoing parliamentary focus on the 'One Nation, One Election' concept. A working paper associated with this initiative suggests that implementing simultaneous polls could lead to a significant reduction in the deployment of polling personnel and substantial cost savings for the exchequer.

This move is crucial for India's electoral reform discourse, aiming to streamline the election process and enhance governance efficiency. It is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly under General Studies Paper-II (Polity & Governance), focusing on electoral reforms and parliamentary functioning.

Background

भारत में एक साथ चुनाव का विचार नया नहीं है; देश में पहले चार आम चुनाव (1952, 1957, 1962 और 1967) लोकसभा और राज्य विधानसभाओं के लिए एक साथ हुए थे। हालांकि, कुछ राज्य विधानसभाओं के समय से पहले भंग होने और मध्यावधि चुनावों के कारण यह चक्र टूट गया। भारतीय संविधान के अनुच्छेद 83 और अनुच्छेद 172 क्रमशः संसद के सदनों और राज्य विधानसभाओं के कार्यकाल को निर्धारित करते हैं, जो आमतौर पर पांच साल होता है, जब तक कि पहले भंग न हो जाए। भारत का चुनाव आयोग (ECI) चुनावों के संचालन के लिए जिम्मेदार है, और इसने अतीत में एक साथ चुनाव के विचार पर अपनी राय दी है। इस अवधारणा का उद्देश्य चुनाव आचार संहिता के कारण होने वाले विकासात्मक कार्यों में व्यवधान को कम करना और प्रशासनिक लागत को बचाना है। विभिन्न संसदीय समितियों और विधि आयोग ने भी इस मुद्दे पर विचार-विमर्श किया है, जिसमें इसके संवैधानिक और तार्किक निहितार्थों पर प्रकाश डाला गया है। इस संदर्भ में, वर्तमान संसदीय समिति का गठन एक साथ चुनाव के लिए आवश्यक कानूनी और संवैधानिक संशोधनों की जांच करने के लिए किया गया है, जो इस दीर्घकालिक बहस को आगे बढ़ाने का एक महत्वपूर्ण कदम है।

Latest Developments

हाल के वर्षों में, 'एक राष्ट्र, एक चुनाव' की अवधारणा को केंद्र सरकार द्वारा सक्रिय रूप से बढ़ावा दिया गया है, जिसमें प्रधानमंत्री ने इसके लाभों पर जोर दिया है। सितंबर 2023 में, पूर्व राष्ट्रपति राम नाथ कोविंद की अध्यक्षता में एक उच्च-स्तरीय समिति का गठन किया गया था, जिसे एक साथ चुनाव के सभी पहलुओं की जांच करने और सिफारिशें प्रस्तुत करने का काम सौंपा गया था। इस समिति ने विभिन्न हितधारकों से इनपुट एकत्र किए हैं, जिसमें राजनीतिक दल, कानूनी विशेषज्ञ और नागरिक समाज संगठन शामिल हैं। इस अवधारणा के समर्थकों का तर्क है कि यह चुनाव खर्च को कम करेगा, प्रशासनिक दक्षता में सुधार करेगा, और बार-बार चुनाव आचार संहिता के कारण होने वाले नीतिगत पक्षाघात को रोकेगा। हालांकि, आलोचकों ने संघीय ढांचे पर इसके संभावित प्रभाव, क्षेत्रीय दलों की भूमिका, और मतदाताओं की जवाबदेही को कम करने की चिंताओं को उठाया है। वर्तमान संसदीय समिति का कार्यकाल विस्तार इस बात का संकेत है कि सरकार इस चुनावी सुधार को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है, और मानसून सत्र के अंतिम सप्ताह तक इसकी रिपोर्ट या सिफारिशें अपेक्षित हैं। यह कदम भारत में चुनावी प्रक्रिया के भविष्य के लिए महत्वपूर्ण निहितार्थ रखता है।

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) mentioned in the news and the high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, both looking into simultaneous elections?

The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), chaired by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary, is specifically tasked with examining the Bills related to the implementation of simultaneous elections. Its focus is legislative. In contrast, the high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind was constituted in September 2023 to broadly examine all aspects of simultaneous elections and provide recommendations, gathering inputs from various stakeholders.

Exam Tip

Remember that the JPC is looking at specific Bills for implementation, while the Kovind committee gave broader recommendations. This distinction is crucial.

2. Which specific Bills and constitutional articles are most relevant to the 'One Nation, One Election' concept for UPSC Prelims?

For Prelims, you must remember the two key Bills and the constitutional articles related to the tenure of legislative bodies.

•Bills: The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
•Constitutional Articles: Article 83 (tenure of Houses of Parliament) and Article 172 (tenure of State Legislative Assemblies).

Exam Tip

Pay close attention to the Bill numbers and names, as well as the specific article numbers. Examiners often swap these to create tricky MCQs.

3. Why is the 'One Nation, One Election' concept being actively promoted by the government now, and what benefits are highlighted?

The concept is being actively promoted by the central government, with the Prime Minister emphasizing its benefits. The push is driven by the aim to streamline the election process and enhance governance efficiency.

•Significant reduction in the deployment of polling personnel.
•Substantial cost savings for the exchequer.
•Enhanced governance efficiency by reducing the frequency of elections and the associated model code of conduct.

4. Given the historical context, what are the primary constitutional and logistical challenges in re-implementing simultaneous elections in India?

The primary challenges stem from the fact that the original cycle of simultaneous elections (1952-1967) broke due to premature dissolution of some state assemblies and mid-term elections. Re-implementing this would require significant constitutional and logistical adjustments.

•Constitutional Amendments: Aligning the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies (governed by Article 83 and Article 172 respectively) would necessitate amendments to ensure synchronized dissolution or extension.
•No-Confidence Motions: Managing situations where governments lose confidence before their full term, potentially leading to fresh elections that break the synchronized cycle again.
•Logistical Scale: Conducting elections for all Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats simultaneously would require an unprecedented scale of polling personnel, security forces, and electronic voting machines (EVMs).

5. What does the extension of the Joint Parliamentary Committee's term signify for the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative, and what should aspirants track next?

The extension of the JPC's tenure until the last week of the Monsoon Session underscores the ongoing parliamentary focus and the complexity involved in the 'One Nation, One Election' concept. It indicates that the examination of the associated Bills requires more time for thorough deliberation.

Exam Tip

For Prelims, remember the extended deadline (last week of Monsoon Session). For Mains, understand that extensions often signify complex issues requiring broad consensus and detailed legislative scrutiny.

6. UPSC often tests historical facts. What's a common trap related to the period when simultaneous elections were held in India?

A common trap is to assume that simultaneous elections either never happened or continued for a very long time. The key fact to remember is that they were a feature of India's early electoral history but were not sustained.

•Simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies occurred only during the first four general elections: 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967.
•The cycle broke primarily due to the premature dissolution of some state assemblies and subsequent mid-term elections.

Exam Tip

Memorize the specific period (1952-1967) and the reason for the break in the cycle. Don't confuse it with the current push for re-implementation.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Simultaneous Elections: 1. The committee is chaired by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary. 2. Its tenure has been extended until the last week of the Monsoon Session. 3. A working paper suggests that simultaneous elections could reduce polling personnel deployment and save costs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Simultaneous Elections is indeed chaired by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary, as explicitly mentioned in the news summary. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Lok Sabha has extended the tenure of this committee until the last week of the Monsoon Session. Statement 3 is CORRECT: A working paper associated with the 'One Nation, One Election' concept suggests that implementing simultaneous polls could significantly reduce the deployment of polling personnel and lead to substantial cost savings. All three statements are accurate based on the provided information.

2. With reference to the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' in India, consider the following statements: 1. India successfully conducted simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in the first four general elections. 2. The Election Commission of India has consistently opposed the idea of simultaneous elections due to logistical challenges. 3. Implementing simultaneous elections would require constitutional amendments and changes to electoral laws. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: India did conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies during its first four general elections in 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: While the Election Commission of India (ECI) has highlighted logistical and constitutional challenges, it has not consistently opposed the idea. In fact, the ECI has, at various times, expressed its willingness to conduct simultaneous polls if the necessary legal and constitutional framework is put in place. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Implementing 'One Nation, One Election' would necessitate significant amendments to the Constitution (e.g., Articles 83, 172, 356) and changes to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to synchronize the terms of legislative bodies.