LS extends term of panel examining simultaneous polls, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Lok Sabha extended the term of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining bills related to simultaneous elections on Wednesday.
• The committee, led by BJP MP P.P. Chaudhary, will now continue its work until the last week of the Monsoon Session.
• The simultaneous polls Bills, including The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, were introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2024.
• The committee has held 17 meetings so far, hearing from various experts including former Chief Justices and economists.
• An EAC-PM working paper suggests that "One Nation, One Election" could reduce polling personnel deployment by 28%.

Detailed Insights:

• The extension allows the committee to further scrutinize the proposed legislative changes required for holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
• The concept of "One Nation, One Election" aims to synchronize elections across the country to reduce costs, improve governance, and minimize disruption to public services.
• The committee has consulted diverse stakeholders, including legal experts, economists, and political figures, to assess the feasibility and implications of simultaneous elections.
• The EAC-PM working paper highlights potential benefits such as reduced administrative burden and cost savings through optimized resource allocation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Simultaneous Elections: Holding elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies at the same time.
• Joint Parliamentary Committee: A committee comprising members from both houses of Parliament, formed to examine specific issues or bills.
• EAC-PM (Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister): An independent body that advises the Prime Minister on economic matters.