Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Define electoral reforms and their importance in democratic governance.
- Introduce the “One Nation, One Election” principle as a key reform suggested by various committees.
2. Need for Electoral Reforms
- Strengthening Electoral Participation
- Discuss the need for higher voter turnout and simplified voter registration.
- Fact: The Goswami Committee recommended measures for easier voter registration (Goswami Committee Report, 1990).
- Addressing Political Corruption
- Highlight the nexus between criminals and politicians.
- Fact: The Vohra Committee Report identified links between organized crime and politics, advocating for reforms (Vohra Committee Report, 1993).
- Curbing Electoral Expenditure
- Emphasize the importance of limiting election costs.
- Fact: The 2nd ARC called for measures to control rising electoral expenses (2nd ARC Report, 2007).
- Improving Election Integrity
- Discuss the need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
- Fact: The Election Commission of India has pushed for reforms in electoral funding, especially concerning electoral bonds (Election Commission Reports).
- Ensuring Inclusivity in Voting
- Mention the importance of accommodating marginalized communities.
- Fact: The NCRWC advocated for inclusive practices in electoral reforms (NCRWC Report, 2002).
3. Significance of One Nation-One Election Principle
- Economic Growth
- Explain how simultaneous elections could boost GDP.
- Fact: The Kovind Committee estimated a potential 5 percentage point increase in GDP growth (Kovind Committee Report, 2020).
- Increased Government Expenditure
- Discuss the impact on public spending.
- Fact: Post-simultaneous elections, public expenditure could increase by 67%, focusing on capital investments (Economic Survey, 2021).
- Investment Climate
- Analyze how reducing election frequency can stabilize investments.
- Fact: The Gross Fixed Capital Formation to GDP ratio may increase by 5 percentage points during simultaneous elections (Economic Studies).
- Cost Efficiency
- Mention the potential for reducing electoral costs.
- Fact: The Election Commission incurs over ₹4,500 crore in election costs; consolidating elections could save significant funds (Parliamentary Panel Reports).
- Enhanced Governance
- Discuss the reduction of disruptions caused by frequent elections.
- Fact: The Model Code of Conduct can affect governance for extended periods, as seen during the 2024 General Elections (Political Analysis, 2023).
4. Conclusion
- Summarize the need for electoral reforms and the significance of the “One Nation, One Election” principle.
- Highlight the potential benefits for India’s democratic process, governance, and economic stability.
By following this roadmap, you can create a structured and comprehensive answer to the question while incorporating relevant facts and sources.
Model Answer
Introduction
Electoral reforms are essential for enhancing the integrity and efficiency of India’s democratic process. The principle of “One Nation, One Election,” recently advocated by the Kovind Committee, promotes the idea of conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This reform seeks to minimize election-related expenditures, simplify governance, and increase political stability by synchronizing electoral cycles.
Need for Electoral Reforms
Strengthening Electoral Participation
Encouraging higher voter turnout and simplifying the voter registration process is vital for a more inclusive democracy. The Goswami Committee suggested measures to enhance voter participation, emphasizing streamlined registration processes (Goswami Committee Report, 1990).
Addressing Political Corruption
Combating the nexus between criminals and politicians is crucial for restoring voter trust and accountability. The Vohra Committee Report highlighted these connections and called for comprehensive electoral reforms to address them (Vohra Committee Report, 1993).
Curbing Electoral Expenditure
Limiting escalating election costs is necessary to maintain a level playing field. The 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) emphasized the need to control electoral expenses to ensure fair elections (2nd ARC Report, 2007).
Improving Election Integrity
Strengthening transparency measures is vital for a credible electoral process. The Election Commission of India has advocated for reforms in electoral funding to enhance integrity, particularly concerning electoral bonds (Election Commission Reports).
Ensuring Inclusivity in Voting
It is imperative to guarantee that marginalized communities have equal access to voting. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) recommended inclusive practices to accommodate diverse needs (NCRWC Report, 2002).
Significance of One Nation-One Election Principle
Economic Growth
Simultaneous elections can boost GDP by enhancing economic stability. The Kovind Committee projected a potential 5 percentage point increase in national GDP growth in the following year (Kovind Committee Report, 2020).
Increased Government Expenditure
Simultaneous elections could lead to a 67% increase in public expenditure, focusing on capital investments that promote long-term growth (Economic Survey, 2021).
Investment Climate
Frequent elections create uncertainty for investors. Simultaneous elections can foster a more stable investment environment, with the Gross Fixed Capital Formation to GDP ratio estimated to be 5 percentage points higher during such periods (Economic Studies).
Cost Efficiency
The Election Commission reportedly spends over ₹4,500 crore on conducting elections. Consolidating these elections could significantly reduce governmental expenditures (Parliamentary Panel Reports).
Enhanced Governance
Frequent enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct disrupts governance. Simultaneous elections could mitigate these interruptions, ensuring smoother government functioning (Political Analysis, 2023).
Conclusion
The “One Nation, One Election” principle has the potential to strengthen India’s democratic framework by promoting efficient governance, reducing costs, and enhancing voter engagement.