Context:
• A Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) examining the proposed bills on simultaneous elections has been granted an extension to continue its work.
• The committee is reviewing major constitutional and legal changes linked to the idea of conducting Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections together, commonly referred to as “One Nation, One Election.”
• The extension reflects the complexity of the issue and the need for wider consultations before final recommendations.
Key Highlights:
Extension of Parliamentary Panel
• The JCP reviewing simultaneous polls bills has been given additional time.
• The motion for extension was moved in the Lok Sabha by:
– P.P. Chaudhary, Chairman of the Committee
• The extension will remain valid until:
– The first day of the last week of the 2026 Budget Session
• The Lok Sabha approved the motion through a voice vote, indicating broad procedural consent.
Reason for Seeking More Time
• The committee requires additional time because of the need to consult a wide range of stakeholders, including:
– Constitutional experts
– Economists
– Legal scholars
– Former officials and institutional representatives
• Simultaneous elections involve major questions related to:
– Federalism
– Democratic accountability
– Electoral cycles and governance stability
Committee Formation and Consultations
• The committee was constituted in December 2024.
• Since then, it has consulted several experts, including:
– Dinesh Maheshwari, Chairman of the Law Commission
– Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who presented his views on the bills
• These consultations highlight the constitutional sensitivity of restructuring election schedules.
Bills Under Consideration
• The committee is examining two key legislations:
– Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
– Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
• These bills aim to provide the legal framework necessary for holding elections simultaneously across India.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Simultaneous Elections: Conducting elections for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and possibly local bodies at the same time.
• Stakeholders: Individuals or groups affected by a policy decision (experts, political parties, institutions, citizens).
• Voice Vote:
– A parliamentary voting method where members express approval/disapproval verbally.
– The presiding officer decides the outcome based on the overall response.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC):
– Formed to examine specific bills or issues in detail.
– Submits a report with recommendations to Parliament.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Significance of Simultaneous Polls Proposal:
– May reduce frequent election expenditure
– Prevent repeated disruption of governance due to Model Code of Conduct
– Could improve administrative continuity
• Concerns and Challenges:
– Impacts India’s federal structure and autonomy of States
– May dilute accountability of State governments
– Requires major constitutional amendments and political consensus
• Role of Parliamentary Committees:
– Strengthen legislative scrutiny
– Enable expert consultation and stakeholder participation
• Way Forward:
– Ensure wide political consultation and constitutional clarity
– Address concerns of regional parties and States
– Safeguard democratic principles while exploring electoral reforms
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS 2 (Polity): Electoral reforms, parliamentary procedures, constitutional amendments
• Prelims: JPC, voice vote, simultaneous elections concept
• Mains: Federalism concerns, democratic accountability, governance reforms