One Nation One Election | UPSC | Drishti IAS

Drishti IAS

18 Sept 202413:12

Summary

TLDRThe video discusses the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' in India, where general and state assembly elections are proposed to be held simultaneously every five years. The video highlights the proposal's approval by the Cabinet and the role of the Ram Nath Kovind Committee, which submitted a comprehensive report supporting this idea. It outlines potential benefits, such as reduced election costs and administrative efficiency, while also touching on the need for constitutional amendments and the support from various political parties. The video also addresses the challenges and preparations required for its implementation, emphasizing the importance of voter awareness and the legislative process involved.

Takeaways

🗳️ The One Nation, One Election concept proposes that both the Lok Sabha and state legislative elections be held together every five years.
📅 The practice of synchronized elections started in 1951-52 but was later disrupted due to shifts in government timings.
🔍 The Ram Nath Kovind Committee was formed in 2023 to examine the feasibility of implementing One Nation, One Election.
📑 The Committee presented a detailed report with 18,626 pages, offering suggestions and addressing possible challenges.
💰 One of the major benefits is reducing the enormous costs incurred by conducting frequent elections in different states.
📉 The system could decrease the logistical complexity and administrative burden of holding frequent elections.
🚫 By limiting elections to once every five years, there would be less opportunity for the misuse of money and resources.
🏛️ The proposal has the backing of 32 out of 47 political parties, while 15 parties either oppose it or haven't taken a position.
⚖️ A constitutional amendment is required to implement this system, needing special majority approval in Parliament and ratification by 15 state legislatures.
🔄 In case of a hung assembly or early dissolution, special provisions are proposed to conduct elections for the remaining term until the next cycle.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'One Nation One Election'?
-'One Nation One Election' refers to the idea of holding both Lok Sabha (national) and State Assembly elections simultaneously every five years. The goal is to have one election cycle for the entire country, reducing the frequency of elections and ensuring that both national and state elections occur at the same time.
When was the idea of 'One Nation One Election' first implemented in India?
-The idea of 'One Nation One Election' was first implemented during the early years of Indian elections, starting with the 1951-52 general elections. During this period, both Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections were conducted simultaneously. However, due to political instability in some states, this system was gradually abandoned.
What are the key benefits of 'One Nation One Election' as mentioned in the script?
-Key benefits include reduced election costs, less administrative burden on the Election Commission and government staff, uninterrupted governance without the frequent need for election preparations, and better utilization of resources, such as security forces and EVMs. Additionally, it could curb the influence of black money and prevent political instability.
What challenges are associated with implementing 'One Nation One Election'?
-Challenges include the need for significant changes in the constitution, potential disruption if a government falls prematurely, logistical issues in conducting elections simultaneously across the country, and the challenge of ensuring voter awareness about distinct national and state-level issues during a single election.
Who was appointed to lead the committee for 'One Nation One Election', and when was the committee formed?
-The committee was led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. It was formed on September 2, 2023, to explore the feasibility of implementing 'One Nation One Election' and to provide recommendations on how to handle the various challenges.
What role did the Ram Nath Kovind committee play in the 'One Nation One Election' proposal?
-The committee studied the viability of 'One Nation One Election', analyzed potential challenges, and provided suggestions on how to implement the system effectively. The report, spanning 18,626 pages, was submitted to the current President of India, Draupadi Murmu, on March 14, 2024.
What is the current status of the 'One Nation One Election' proposal?
-As of the time discussed in the video, the Indian Cabinet has approved the 'One Nation One Election' proposal, and a bill related to it is expected to be introduced during the upcoming winter session of the Parliament. Once passed, it will become law, paving the way for simultaneous elections in India.
What constitutional amendments are required to implement 'One Nation One Election'?
-To implement 'One Nation One Election', constitutional amendments will be required. This includes a special majority in Parliament for passing the bill, as well as approval from at least half of the state legislatures (15 out of 28 states). Additionally, changes to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, will be necessary.
What are the two phases of elections suggested by the committee for 'One Nation One Election'?
-The committee proposed that the elections be conducted in two phases: the first phase would involve simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, and the second phase, within 100 days of the first, would involve elections for local bodies like municipalities and gram panchayats.
How many political parties supported the 'One Nation One Election' proposal, and how many opposed it?
-Out of 62 political parties consulted by the Ram Nath Kovind committee, 32 parties expressed support for the 'One Nation One Election' proposal. Fifteen parties opposed it, while the remaining 15 did not express any clear opinion on the matter.

Outlines

00:00

🇮🇳 India's Journey of Elections Post-Independence

This paragraph discusses the electoral history of India after its independence. It highlights how both Lok Sabha and state assembly elections were held simultaneously in the early years, starting from 1951-52, but later diverged due to shifting political circumstances, with governments often changing mid-term. The idea of 'One Nation, One Election' is revisited in recent years, with the government forming a committee to examine the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections again.

05:01

🗳️ Recent Approval of the 'One Nation, One Election' Proposal

The focus here is on the recent approval of the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal by the Cabinet. The proposal, aimed at conducting simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and state assemblies every five years, received approval to be presented in the upcoming Winter Session. This paragraph explains the meaning of the proposal and how it can reduce the costs and complexities of frequent elections.

10:04

📊 Ramnath Kovind Committee Report and Its Key Suggestions

The third paragraph discusses the formation of the Ramnath Kovind Committee in 2023 to examine the viability of the 'One Nation, One Election' initiative. The committee's extensive 18,626-page report, completed in 191 days, was submitted to the current President. The report suggests extending the term of certain state assemblies and aligns state and Lok Sabha elections by 2029. The committee also highlights other potential challenges and solutions for implementing this election reform.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡One Nation One Election

This refers to the concept of synchronizing both national (Lok Sabha) and state (Vidhan Sabha) elections to take place simultaneously every five years. The script highlights the potential benefits, such as reducing election costs and administrative burden. This proposal has been approved by the Cabinet, and the video discusses its historical context and implications for India.

💡1951-1952 Elections

These were the first general elections held in independent India for both the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies. The video mentions this historical reference to show how elections were once synchronized, a system similar to the One Nation One Election concept being discussed.

💡Ram Nath Kovind Committee

A committee led by former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, established to explore the feasibility and challenges of implementing One Nation One Election. The video explains that this committee submitted a detailed report of 18,626 pages to the current President in 2024, which has sparked discussions on how to move forward with the proposal.

💡Election Expenses

The video discusses the high costs associated with holding frequent elections across different states and the country. One of the major reasons behind the push for One Nation One Election is to reduce these expenses by holding elections for both Lok Sabha and state assemblies simultaneously.

💡Hung Assembly

A situation where no single party gains a majority in the state assembly or Lok Sabha, making it difficult to form a stable government. The video discusses how One Nation One Election could help mitigate the political instability caused by frequent elections and hung assemblies.

💡Election Commission

The Election Commission of India, which is responsible for conducting elections, would face a greater workload under One Nation One Election. The video explains that additional resources and infrastructure would be required to manage simultaneous elections across the country.

💡Constitutional Amendment

The video explains that implementing One Nation One Election would require amendments to the Indian Constitution. This involves gaining special majorities in both houses of Parliament and approvals from a majority of state legislatures. It is a critical legal hurdle in making this proposal a reality.

💡Simultaneous Elections

This term refers to holding elections for multiple governing bodies (such as Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha) at the same time, every five years. The video discusses how this would simplify the electoral process and reduce the frequent disruptions to governance caused by separate elections.

💡Administrative Efficiency

One of the benefits of One Nation One Election is that it could improve administrative efficiency by reducing the frequency of elections. This would allow the government and administrative bodies to focus more on development projects rather than constant election preparations.

💡Black Money

The video suggests that reducing the frequency of elections could help curb the use of black money in politics. Frequent elections often lead to higher spending by candidates and political parties, much of which is done through unaccounted funds. By holding elections less often, this problem could be mitigated.

Highlights

Introduction of the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' in India.

Historical context of Indian elections since independence in 1951-52.

The proposal for simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

The establishment of a committee to discuss and suggest measures for 'One Nation, One Election'.

Cabinet approval for the proposal related to 'One Nation, One Election'.

The meaning of 'One Nation, One Election' and its implications for the electoral process.

The formation of the Ram Nath Kovind Committee to study the feasibility of simultaneous elections.

The submission of the Ram Nath Kovind Committee's report to the President of India.

Key recommendations of the committee regarding the extension of the term of State Legislative Assemblies.

Advantages of simultaneous elections, including cost reduction and administrative efficiency.

Potential challenges and concerns related to the implementation of 'One Nation, One Election'.

Support and opposition from various political parties regarding the proposal.

The proposal for a two-phase election process and its rationale.

Preparations required for the simultaneous elections, including administrative and logistical aspects.

The need for constitutional amendments and legislative changes to facilitate 'One Nation, One Election'.

The process of passing a bill for constitutional amendment and its requirements.

The role of the Election Commission and the necessary preparations for conducting simultaneous elections.

The importance of voter awareness and education in the context of 'One Nation, One Election'.

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