Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill : Key Details
The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the highly anticipated ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill, a significant move that seeks to bring about synchronized elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies across India. The proposal has been a key part of the government’s agenda and is now set to be tabled in the ongoing Winter session of Parliament, sources reveal.
This bill comes on the heels of recommendations made by a high-powered committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, which was tasked with studying the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections. In a statement following the approval, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the initiative, calling it an important step toward enhancing the vibrancy and participatory nature of Indian democracy. He also acknowledged the efforts of Shri Ram Nath Kovind for leading the committee and consulting a wide range of stakeholders.
The committee’s proposal suggests a phased implementation, beginning with concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The second phase will focus on aligning local body elections within 100 days. This move is expected to streamline the election process, reduce the financial burden, and avoid the frequent disruptions caused by multiple elections throughout the year.
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill will now be referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further scrutiny. This marks a crucial step toward implementing the proposal, which, if approved, could reshape India’s electoral landscape by aligning national and state-level elections.
By introducing synchronized elections, the government aims to strengthen the democratic process, reduce political instability, and optimize administrative resources. As the bill progresses, it will be closely watched by political analysts and citizens alike, as its implementation could have a lasting impact on India’s electoral system.
