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BPSC MainsGeneral Studies Paper IIndian PolityPractice question

One Nation, One Election in India

Discuss the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' with reference to constitutional mechanisms for handling premature dissolutions and its regional significance for states like Bihar.

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How to approach

Begin by defining the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) and citing the major constitutional and committee recommendations backing it. Next, explain the structural mechanisms proposed to tackle premature dissolutions and hung assemblies. Finally, examine the regional and socio-economic implications for a state like Bihar before concluding with a balanced perspective on federalism.

Model answer

369 words

Introduction

One Nation, One Election (ONOE) refers to the synchronization of elections for the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies across India into a single electoral cycle. The concept has been supported historically by the 170th Law Commission Report (1999) and the 79th Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee Report (2015). Recently, the High-Level Committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind (2024) and the introduction of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 have formalized legislative blueprints to implement this transition.

Mechanisms for Resolving Premature Dissolutions and Hung Houses

A primary challenge to simultaneous elections is maintaining synchronization when a legislative assembly or the Lok Sabha faces premature dissolution or a hung verdict. The Kovind Committee (2024) recommended specific constitutional safeguards to address this:

  • Remainder Term Mechanism: By amending Articles 83 (duration of Houses of Parliament) and 172 (duration of State Legislatures), a mid-term dissolved House will hold fresh elections only for the unexpired remainder of the original five-year cycle, thereby restoring synchronized timelines upon completion.
  • Constructive Vote of No-Confidence: Adopting an arrangement where any 'No-Confidence Motion' must be mandatorily accompanied by an alternative 'Confidence Motion', ensuring that alternate governance solutions are exhausted prior to recommending dissolution.

Regional Significance and Realities for Bihar

The operationalization of simultaneous elections holds distinct socio-economic and geographical implications for states such as Bihar:

  • Mitigating Environmental Vulnerabilities: North Bihar suffers recurrent, severe flood events during July to October. A synchronized electoral calendar allows authorities to plan voting windows safely outside peak flood seasons, protecting administrative logistics and voter safety.
  • Enfranchisement of Migrant Workforce: Bihar has a high volume of seasonal outward migration. Synchronized schedules clustered around peak festive home-return windows, such as Chhath Puja and Holi, can maximize voter turnout and democratic participation for circular migrants.
  • Sustained Developmental Momentum: Frequent state and central polls lead to repeated enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), freezing approvals for key infrastructure and state welfare transfers. ONOE provides developmental continuity and improves expenditure efficiency.

Conclusion

While One Nation, One Election optimizes administrative capacity, reduces public expenditure, and curtails governance inertia, its operationalization requires safeguarding the basic structure of the Constitution. Forging inter-party consensus and upholding cooperative federalism remain fundamental to making synchronized elections viable across India's diverse political landscape.

Key facts to remember

definition
Remainder Term Concept

A constitutional mechanism under proposed amendments to Articles 83 and 172 whereby any legislative house dissolved mid-term is re-elected only for the remaining balance of the original five-year tenure.

scheme
Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024

The legislative bill introduced to amend constitutional provisions to facilitate simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

example
High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections (2024)

Chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, the committee submitted its report recommending a phased transition to synchronized polls for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and local bodies.

Frequently asked questions

How does simultaneous polling benefit migrant workers in Bihar?

Synchronized election dates allow migrant labourers returning home during festivals like Chhath and Holi to cast their ballots for both Union and State representations in a single visit, reducing absenteeism.

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