Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces ‘One Nation, One Election’ Plan
The Union Cabinet has approved the recommendations from the high-level committee on ‘One Nation, One Election,’ according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This decision aims to synchronize national and state elections, reducing the frequency and costs of elections while streamlining governance.
High-Level Committee Report
The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, presented its report to President Droupadi Murmu. The report outlines the benefits of holding simultaneous elections for central, state, and local bodies, including political and economic advantages.
Key Benefits
The report highlights that frequent elections create uncertainty and affect policy decisions. Simultaneous elections would promote policy stability, ease governance, and increase voter participation. Economic benefits include higher growth, uninterrupted governance, and efficient use of government resources.
Public and Political Support
The committee consulted various stakeholders, including political parties, legal experts, business organizations, and the general public. The proposal received substantial support, with 80% of public respondents and many major political parties in favor.
Recommendations
The committee recommended provisions for situations like a hung House or a no-confidence motion, where fresh elections may be held. For Municipal and Panchayat elections, synchronization with national and state polls within 100 days was suggested. The proposal requires ratification by at least half of the states.
The report concluded that simultaneous elections would enhance voter confidence, ease the election process, and strengthen India’s democratic structure by ensuring inclusivity, transparency, and social cohesion.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Ashwini Vaishnaw -: Ashwini Vaishnaw is a politician in India who is currently serving as a Union Minister. He is responsible for making decisions about certain areas of the government.
One Nation, One Election -: This is a plan to hold all elections in India at the same time. It means that both national and state elections would happen together, which can save money and make things run more smoothly.
Union Cabinet -: The Union Cabinet is a group of top leaders in the Indian government who make important decisions. They are led by the Prime Minister.
synchronize -: To synchronize means to make things happen at the same time. In this case, it means having all elections on the same day.
High-Level Committee -: A High-Level Committee is a group of very important and experienced people who are asked to study a problem and suggest solutions.
Ram Nath Kovind -: Ram Nath Kovind is a former President of India. He was the head of the country and now leads the committee studying the election plan.
ratification -: Ratification means officially approving something. In this case, it means that at least half of the states in India need to agree to the election plan for it to happen.