NEW DELHI: In a big milestone for Indian politics, the high-level committee overseeing the feasibility of simultaneous elections, headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind, submitted its exhaustive report back to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday. This occasion was hailed as a watershed second by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who described it as a “historic day for the country’s democratic system.” “It is a historic day for the country’s democratic system. Today, the High-Level Committee formed by the Modi government on One Nation One Election, chaired by Shri @ramnathkovind Ji, presented its report before the Hon’ble President,” the Home Minister posted on his ‘X’ deal with.
आज का दिन देश की लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था के लिए ऐतिहासिक दिन है। मोदी सरकार द्वारा श्री @ramnathkovind जी की अध्यक्षता में ‘एक देश – एक चुनाव’ पर गठित उच्चस्तरीय समिति का प्रतिवेदन, राष्ट्रपति महोदया के समक्ष प्रस्तुत किया। pic.twitter.com/v5p6Xr925J
— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 14, 2024
Panels Sumbits 18,626-Page Long Report
The report, comprising 18,626 pages, is an end result of in depth consultations with stakeholders, consultants and analysis work over 191 days, for the reason that structure of the High-Level Committee on September 2, 2023.
Under the steerage of Ram Nath Kovind, the committee boasted a various membership, together with eminent figures like Ghulam Nabi Azad, N Ok Singh, Subhash C Kashyap, Harish Salve, and Sanjay Kothari. Their collective experience and views had been instrumental in shaping the great suggestions put forth within the report.
Wide-Ranging Consultations
The committee’s strategy was characterised by inclusivity and thoroughness, evident in its engagements with varied stakeholders. Notably, 47 political events contributed their insights, with a big majority voicing assist for simultaneous elections. Additionally, enter from residents throughout the nation, amounting to 21,558 responses, underscored widespread public curiosity and backing for this reform.
Delving deeper into the intricacies of the proposal, the committee sought counsel from authorized luminaries, election commissioners, and financial consultants. Their assessments highlighted the financial imperatives of synchronized elections, emphasizing the detrimental influence of disjointed electoral cycles on inflation, financial development, and social cohesion.
Path Forward: Two-Step Approach
After meticulous consideration of varied views, the committee delineated a practical two-step strategy in the direction of realizing simultaneous elections. The first part focuses on synchronizing elections for the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies, adopted by a subsequent alignment of Municipalities and Panchayats elections inside an outlined timeframe.
Constitutional Compatibility And Voter Empowerment
Crucially, the committee’s suggestions are crafted with due regard to constitutional integrity, requiring minimal amendments whereas upholding the foundational rules of India’s democratic framework. Furthermore, proposals for a unified electoral roll and Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) goal to streamline the electoral course of and improve voter participation and confidence, it mentioned in its report.
In concluding its exhaustive deliberations, the committee expressed confidence within the transformative potential of its suggestions. By fostering transparency, inclusivity, and voter confidence, the envisioned reforms are poised to catalyze developmental progress, strengthen democratic establishments, and uphold the collective aspirations of a various nation.
A Step Towards India’s Future
”Upon all-inclusive deliberations, the committee concludes that its suggestions will considerably improve the transparency, inclusivity, ease and confidence of the voters. Overwhelming assist for holding simultaneous elections will spur the event course of and social cohesion, deepen the foundations of our democratic rubric, and notice the aspirations of India, that’s Bharat,” it mentioned.
