JPC Consults Karnataka Padma Awardees on Simultaneous Elections
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
"One Nation, One Election" is a critical proposed electoral reform with profound implications for India's federal structure and governance. Understanding the consultative process via Joint Parliamentary Committees and the primary arguments for and against simultaneous elections is essential for answering questions on electoral reforms and parliamentary functioning in GS Paper 2.
Summary
A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) met with Padma awardees from Karnataka to gather diverse perspectives on implementing 'One Nation, One Election'. The consultations focused on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024. While participants recognized the potential benefits of simultaneous elections—such as reduced election costs, stable governance, and unhindered development—some cautioned that such reforms must carefully balance democratic principles and protect the federal rights of the States.
Key Points
- A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) headed by P.P. Chaudhary consulted with 12 Padma awardees from Karnataka to gather feedback on the "One Nation, One Election" proposal.
- The deliberations focused on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, which aim to facilitate simultaneous elections.
- Proponents highlighted benefits such as increased stability, a significant reduction in public expenditure, and allowing governments more uninterrupted time for governance.
- Some participants expressed reservations, emphasizing the need to protect democratic values and safeguard the rights and autonomy of the States under a federal structure.
Important Terms
One Nation, One Election (ONOE)
A proposal to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies to reduce costs and ensure governance continuity.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Governance and Elections. Tests understanding of electoral reforms and their impact on democratic accountability.
Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC)
An ad hoc parliamentary body comprising members from both Houses, constituted to conduct detailed scrutiny of specific bills or investigate matters of public importance.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Parliamentary Committees. Tests knowledge of legislative oversight mechanisms and accountability of the executive.
Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024
A legislative proposal to amend the Constitution to synchronize the tenures of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, enabling simultaneous polls.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Constitutional Amendments. Tests awareness of major legal reforms and the procedure for constitutional change.
The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
A bill intended to amend laws governing Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir to align their assembly elections with the national electoral cycle.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Union Territories and Federalism. Tests understanding of the Union's power over UT legislatures.
Federalism
A constitutional principle of power-sharing between the Centre and States; critics argue simultaneous elections may undermine state autonomy and regional issues.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Federal Structure. Tests the ability to analyze tensions between centralizing reforms and regional rights.
Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
Guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate political parties during elections; its frequent imposition is cited as a reason for synchronizing polls.
UPSC context
GS Paper II: Elections. Tests understanding of the regulatory framework for fair polls and its administrative impact.
Prelims Trap
"Under ONOE, if a State Assembly dissolves prematurely, the newly elected assembly gets a full 5-year term."
Under the proposed 129th Amendment, midterm elections will only be for the "unexpired term" (the remainder of the original cycle) to maintain synchronicity.
Static Concepts Connected
How is a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) constituted and composed?
- Ad-hoc Nature: Formed via a motion adopted by one House and agreed to by the other, or through direct communication between Presiding Officers.
- Composition Ratio: There is no constitutionally fixed number of members, but they are strictly drawn in a 2:1 ratio from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Limited Mandate: Created to investigate specific issues or examine complex Bills. It dissolves immediately after submitting its report to Parliament.
What are the constitutional requirements to pass an amendment altering federal structures?
- Special Majority: Requires a majority of the total membership of each House and a 2/3rd majority of members present and voting.
- State Ratification: Must be ratified by the legislatures of at least one-half of the States by a simple majority before receiving Presidential assent.
- Basic Structure Test: Amendments cannot destroy the Constitution's basic structure (e.g., Federalism, as affirmed in the 1994 S.R. Bommai case).
Cross-Topic Patterns
ONOE and MCC policy paralysis
Frequent elections invoke the MCC, suspending new welfare schemes and government tenders. ONOE explicitly links the executive's developmental pace to electoral mechanics and the Election Commission's regulatory scope.
Fixed tenures and the Anti-Defection Law
The 'unexpired term' provision under ONOE alters defection dynamics. If MLAs topple a government mid-term, they force an election only for the remaining tenure, significantly changing political risk calculations.
Expect a multi-statement Prelims question on ONOE mechanics, testing the "unexpired term" concept and Article 368 state ratification rules.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2024MainsGS2
Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation one election" principle.
- 2017MainsGS2
Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government's accountability to the people." Discuss.
- 2018MainsGS2
Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee.
- 2023MainsGS2
Explain the structure of the Parliamentary Committee system. How far have the financial committees helped in the institutionalisation of Indian Parliament?
