| 16 September 2023
| Christie Anto
New Delhi, India - In a significant development on the road to electoral reform in India, the first official meeting of the 'One Nation One Election' committee is scheduled to take place on September 23, 2023. The committee, formed by the Indian government, will be chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind and comprises a distinguished group of members from various political backgrounds and expertise.
The primary objective of the committee is to examine and make recommendations regarding the implementation of simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats, a policy often referred to as 'One Nation One Election.' This ambitious endeavor aims to streamline the electoral process in India, reduce the frequency of elections, and bring about significant administrative efficiencies.
The committee, which was officially notified by the government, is composed of eight key members:
1. Home Minister Amit Shah
2. Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
3. Former leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad
4. Former Finance Commission chairman NK Singh
5. Former Lok Sabha Secretary General Subhash C Kashyap
6. Senior advocate Harish Salve
7. Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari
8. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal (as a special invitee)
Niten Chandra, the Legal Affairs Secretary, has been appointed as the secretary to the panel.
The 'One Nation One Election' committee will embark on its mission immediately, with a focus on examining and recommending specific amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, and any other relevant laws and rules. These amendments are deemed necessary to facilitate the seamless conduct of simultaneous elections across the country.
Moreover, the committee will delve into the intricate issue of whether these constitutional amendments would necessitate ratification by the individual states. This aspect is crucial, as it involves coordination and consensus-building among India's diverse states and union territories.
One of the committee's paramount tasks will be to analyze and recommend potential solutions for scenarios that may arise during simultaneous elections, including situations such as a hung House, the adoption of a no-confidence motion, defections, or any other unexpected events that could impact the electoral process.
Importantly, the committee has expressed its commitment to engage with all stakeholders, listen to their perspectives, and consider any input that can contribute to the formulation of well-informed recommendations. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the 'One Nation One Election' policy is thoroughly examined from all angles and takes into account the diverse viewpoints of Indian citizens, political parties, and experts in the field of election administration.
The first official meeting of the committee on September 23 will mark a crucial step forward in the pursuit of electoral reform in India. With the combined expertise and diverse representation within the committee, it is expected that comprehensive recommendations will be put forth to address the complexities and challenges associated with the 'One Nation One Election' policy.
As the nation eagerly awaits the outcomes of this committee's deliberations, it is evident that the discussions and recommendations will have far-reaching implications for the future of India's electoral landscape.
Comments