Law panel to examine simultaneous elections
The Hindu
Mr. Rijiju also cited a report of a Parliamentary panel which noted that frequent elections lead to ‘disruption’ of normal public life and impact the functioning of essential services
The issue of holding simultaneous Parliamentary and Assembly elections has been referred to the Law Commission for a practicable roadmap and a framework can be worked out, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.
In a written reply, Mr. Rijiju also cited a report of a Parliamentary panel which noted that frequent elections lead to “disruption” of normal public life and impact the functioning of essential services and that simultaneous polls would reduce the massive expenditure incurred to conduct separate elections every year.
Also read: The Hindu Explains: One nation, one election
Between 2014 and 2022, there were as many as 50 State Legislative Assembly elections. According to standing instructions, the entire expenditure on the conduct of elections to the Lok Sabha is borne by the Centre and the expenditure on the conduct of elections to the State legislatures is borne by the respective State governments when such polls are held independently. In case the elections are held simultaneously, the expenditure is borne by the States concerned and the Centre on a 50:50 basis.
The funds disbursed to the States/Union Territories between 2014 and 2022 amounted to ₹7,432 crores, the Minister added.
Mr. Rijiu said a Parliamentary panel had examined the issue of simultaneous polls to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies in consultation with various stakeholders including the Election Commission (EC).
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