Delhi conclave raises federalism concerns over 'One Nation, One Election' proposal
One Nation One Election (ONOE) is a high-profile electoral reform proposal that directly engages core GS II themes of federalism, constitutional amendments, and the structure of representative democracy. Criticism from eminent citizens on federal compact grounds makes it relevant for Mains essay and GS II questions on centre-state relations. Prelims may test the Kovind Committee recommendations and constitutional provisions involved.
Key facts
- ONOE proposes simultaneous Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assembly elections across India.
- A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind submitted its report in March 2024, recommending ONOE in two phases.
- Implementation requires amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356 of the Constitution.
- At least 50% of State Legislatures must ratify amendments affecting State elections.
- Critics argue ONOE undermines federalism by potentially subjecting state governments to central election cycles.
- Delhi conclave of eminent citizens described the proposal as fracturing the 'federal compact' of India.
A group of eminent citizens rejected the proposed 'One Nation, One Election' initiative, saying it would fracture the federal compact of the country.
Concepts to know
The proposal to synchronise elections to the Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies so they are held simultaneously, aimed at reducing election expenditure and policy disruption due to the Model Code of Conduct.
A constitutional principle under which powers are divided between the Union and States. Centralising regulation of a Concurrent List subject like education without adequate state consultation raises federalism concerns.
Grants the President power to impose President's Rule in a state if constitutional governance fails; relevant to ONOE because mid-term dissolution of a state assembly could disrupt synchronised election schedules.
Provides that a State Legislative Assembly shall have a term of five years from the date of its first sitting. ONOE would require amending this to allow curtailment or extension of state assembly terms.
A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind constituted in 2023 to examine ONOE; submitted its report in March 2024 recommending a two-phase rollout of simultaneous elections.
Deals with the sessions of Parliament, prorogation, and dissolution of the Lok Sabha. Amendment of this article is necessary to facilitate ONOE by aligning the Lok Sabha's dissolution with a unified election schedule.
Linked previous-year questions
The UPSC questions this story connects to.
Consider the following statements: 1. Article 371 A to 371 I were inserted in the Constitution of India to meet regional demands of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa. 2. The Constitution of India and the United States of America envisage a dual polity (The Union and the States) but a single citizenship. 3. A naturalized citizen of India can never be deprived of his citizenship. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 3 only (d) 1 only
- a.1, 2 and 3
- b.1 and 3
- c.3 only
- d.1 only ✓
Polity · UPSC 2005The following news item appeared in a National daily dated 1-12-1999: "...Parliament today rejected a Bill to grant women the right to vote and stand for office in parliamentary elections, by a margin of 32 to 30. The National Assembly was split between liberal pro-government and Shiite Muslim deputies who were in favour of women's rights, while the opposition camp grouped Sunni Muslim fundamentalists and tribal MPs. A total of 64 MPs and Ministers were present, of whom two abstained." The Parliament referred to in this quotation is that of: (a) Kuwait (b) Iran (c) Bahrain (d) Saudi Arabia
- a.Kuwait ✓
- b.Iran
- c.Bahrain
- d.Saudi Arabia
International Relations · UPSC 2000With reference to the proposals of Cripps Mission, consider the following statements: 1. The Constituent Assembly would have members nominated by the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Princely States. 2. Any Province, which is not prepared to accept the new Constitution would have the right to sign a separate agreement with Britain regarding its future status. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
- a.1 only
- b.2 only ✓
- c.Both 1 and 2
- d.Neither 1 nor 2
History · UPSC 2022"It made its proposals in May. It still wanted a united India. There was to be a Federal Union composed of British provinces." The above quotation is related to: (a) Simon Commission (b) Gandhi-Irwin Pact (c) Cripps Mission (d) Cabinet Mission
- a.Simon Commission
- b.Gandhi-Irwin Pact
- c.Cripps Mission
- d.Cabinet Mission ✓
History · UPSC 1999Consider the following statements about the recent amendments to the elections law by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 1996: 1. Any conviction for the offence of insulting the Indian National flag or the Constitution of Indian shall entail disqualification for contesting elections to Parliament and State Legislatures for six year from the date of conviction 2. There is an increase in the security deposit which a candidate has to make to contest the election to the Lok Sabha 3. A candidate cannot now stand for election from more than one Parliament Constituency 4. No election will now be countermanded on the death of a contesting candidate Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 2 and 3 (b) 1, 2 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- a.2 and 3
- b.1, 2 and 4 ✓
- c.1 and 3
- d.1, 2, 3 and 4
Polity · UPSC 1999Consider the following statements: 1. Union Territories are not represented in the Rajya Sabha. 2. It is within the purview of the Chief Election Commissioner to adjudicate the election disputes. 3. According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) None
- a.1 only
- b.2 and 3
- c.1 and 3
- d.None ✓
Polity · UPSC 2012
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