Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (10M, 150 words) [GS-2: Governance]

Introduction:

Electoral reforms in India have been proposed by various committees to address issues like corruption, the influence of money, and the constant cycle of elections. One of the key suggestions is the “One Nation – One Election” principle.

Body:

Need for Electoral Reforms:

• Frequent Elections: India’s frequent elections, with overlapping state and general elections, disrupt governance, leading to the Model Code of Conduct that stalls development projects.
• High Election Costs: Separate elections increase costs for the Election Commission and political parties, straining the public exchequer.
• Political Instability: Repeated elections lead to short-term, populist measures, instead of long-term policy-making.

Key Committee Recommendations:

• The Law Commission (170th Report) and the NITI Aayog have emphasized the need for synchronized elections to ensure stability and reduce election-related costs.
• The Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) recommended reforms for free and fair elections, addressing issues like candidate qualifications, election funding, and political transparency.

One Nation – One Election:

• This principle advocates for synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections to reduce costs and disruptions. While logistically challenging, it promises political stability, streamlined governance, and efficient use of resources.

Conclusion:

Electoral reforms, particularly the “One Nation – One Election” model, could improve governance, reduce costs, and foster long-term policy-making, but they require careful planning and consensus-building.