High-Level Committee Pushes for 'One Nation, One Election'

The high-level committee's report advocating simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies was presented to the Union Cabinet. The committee, led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, proposed synchronised local body polls within 100 days and suggested 18 constitutional amendments. Implementation will require Parliament's approval.

The report of the high-level committee on 'one nation, one election' was placed before the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, sources disclosed.

Led by former president Ram Nath Kovind, the panel submitted the report in March, just ahead of the Lok Sabha election announcement.

The report's submission was part of the law ministry's 110-day agenda, and it recommended simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies as an initial step, followed by synchronized local body polls within 100 days.

The committee also proposed forming an 'Implementation Group' to oversee the recommendations' execution.

According to the panel, simultaneous polls would conserve resources, enhance development, foster social cohesion, deepen democratic foundations, and help realize the nation's aspirations.

Further recommendations included a common electoral roll and voter ID cards by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in collaboration with state election authorities. Currently, the ECI oversees Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, while state election commissions handle local body elections.

The panel suggested 18 constitutional amendments, most of which don't require state Assemblies' ratification but will need certain Constitution amendment Bills passed by Parliament.

Some proposed changes, like a single electoral roll and single voter ID card, will need ratification by at least half of the states.

The Law Commission is also expected to release a report on simultaneous polls, an idea strongly advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sources indicate that the commission may recommend simultaneous polls for all three government tiers -- Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local bodies -- starting from 2029, with provisions for unity governance in cases of a hung house.

(With inputs from agencies.)