June 14th 2024.
According to sources, the Union law ministry is planning to present the report of the high-level committee on 'one nation, one election' to the Union Cabinet. This is part of their 100-day agenda in the Legislative Department of the law ministry. It is worth noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously directed all union ministries and departments to create a 100-day agenda for the upcoming government in preparation for the Lok Sabha elections.
The high-level committee, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu on March 15th. Their recommendations include holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, followed by synchronized local body polls within 100 days. The panel also proposed the establishment of an 'Implementation Group' to oversee the execution of their recommendations.
The committee believes that holding simultaneous elections will not only save resources, but also promote development and social cohesion. They also believe it will strengthen the foundations of democracy and help fulfill the aspirations of 'India, that is Bharat'. Additionally, they recommended the creation of a common electoral roll and a single voter ID card, to be prepared by the Election Commission of India in consultation with state election authorities.
Currently, the ECI is responsible for conducting Lok Sabha and assembly polls, while local body polls for municipalities and panchayats are managed by state election commissions. The panel suggested 18 constitutional amendments, most of which do not require ratification by state assemblies. However, certain Constitution amendment bills will need to be passed by Parliament.
Some of the proposed changes, such as a single electoral roll and voter ID card, will require ratification by at least half of the states. In addition to the high-level committee, the Law Commission is also expected to release their own report on simultaneous polls soon. Prime Minister Modi has been a strong supporter of simultaneous polls. The Law Commission is likely to recommend holding simultaneous elections for all three levels of government - Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies like municipalities and panchayats - starting in 2029. They may also suggest a provision for a unity government in cases of a hung house or a no-confidence motion.
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