Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
What is the main objective of "One Nation, One Election"?
The "One Nation, One Election" proposal aims to synchronize Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections to improve governance efficiency and reduce election costs.
Has India ever conducted simultaneous elections before?
Yes, India held simultaneous elections from 1951 to 1967, but political instability and dissolutions of assemblies led to separate election cycles.
What are the key benefits of "One Nation, One Election"?
It can reduce electoral costs, minimize governance disruptions, enhance voter participation, and boost economic stability.
What are the constitutional challenges in implementing "One Nation, One Election"?
It requires multiple constitutional amendments, including changes to Articles 82A, 83, 172, and 327, along with legal reforms.
How does "One Nation, One Election" impact federalism?
It may favor national parties over regional ones, potentially diminishing local issues in state elections and impacting political plurality.
One Nation One Election In India: Revolutionary Electoral Reform or a Challenge To Federalism?
One Nation, One Election seeks to enhance governance and cut electoral costs. Yet, the feasibility of implementing One Nation, One Election remains debatable due to constitutional and logistical challenges.
Bhavya Upadhyay12 Feb, 2025
Share
One Nation One Election: India, the world's largest democracy, is in a perpetual state of elections. With 28 states, eight union territories, and nearly a billion eligible voters, the electoral process is a constant feature of the nation's political landscape. Against this backdrop, the proposal of "One Nation, One Election" (ONOE) has emerged as a contentious topic, sparking debates on its potential to revolutionize India's electoral framework and governance.
The Concept of "One Nation, One Election"
The ONOE proposal advocates for synchronized elections to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) and all state legislative assemblies. This initiative aims to conduct these elections either on a single day or within a specified timeframe every five years. The idea, primarily championed by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, is rooted in the belief that it could enhance governance efficiency, reduce electoral costs, and provide stability to the political process.
Historical Evolution of Synchronized Elections in India
India experienced synchronized elections from 1951 to 1967, during which elections for the Lok Sabha and most State Assemblies were held simultaneously. However, this practice eroded due to political factors and premature dissolutions of assemblies. The election cycles diverged further due to political instability and defections in the 1960s.
INSIGHTS FROM HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE ON ONOE
On 2 September 2023, the Government of India issued a notification constituting a high-level committee to examine the issue of simultaneous elections, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Other Nations with Simultaneous Elections
A high-level panel studied how simultaneous elections are conducted worldwide. The panel focused on seven countries—South Africa, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan—all of which successfully conduct simultaneous elections.
The Committee proposed phased implementation of ONOE:
Phase One: Conduct Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections simultaneously.
Phase Two: Hold local body elections within 100 days of the first phase.
The committee suggested 15 constitutional amendments to facilitate this transition, including the introduction of new Articles 82A and 324A, and amendments to Articles 83, 172, and 327. These changes aim to ensure the smooth execution of simultaneous elections while preserving the democratic framework.
Key Provisions of the Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024
The Bill was introduced in Indian Parliament's Lower house, Lok Sabha on 17th December 2024. A division vote followed, where 269 members supported the move and 198 opposed it. The bill proposes adding Article 82A(1-6) to the Constitution to align the terms of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, as recommended by the committee headed by former President Ram Nath Kovind.
Article 82A (1): Provides for the timeline for the President to bring into force the proposed changes on the date of the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after a general election, designating this as the "appointed date."
Article 82A (2): States that the terms of all state Assemblies elected after the appointed date and before the Lok Sabha's full term ends will conclude with the Lok Sabha's term.
Article 82A (3): Mandates the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct general elections to the House of the People and all Legislative Assemblies simultaneously.
Article 82A (4): Defines simultaneous elections as “general elections held for constituting the House of the People and all the Legislative Assemblies together.”
Article 82A (5): Gives the ECI the option of not holding any particular Assembly election along with the election to Lok Sabha.
Article 82A (6): States that if an Assembly election is deferred, the full term of that Assembly will also end with the full term of the Lok Sabha elected in the general election.
Amendments to Articles 83 and 172 clarify the terminology of "full term" and "unexpired term" for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, ensuring alignment with the simultaneous election framework.
Benefits of Implementing One Nation, One Election
Reduction in Electoral Costs: Simultaneous elections could lead to significant savings in resources like security personnel, polling staff, and election materials. The cost of Lok Sabha elections has escalated from Rs 10.5 crore in 1951-52 to Rs 50,000 crore in 2019. Streamlining processes could reduce these costs.
Continuity in Governance: Fewer elections could mitigate the "policy paralysis" caused by short-term electoral strategies and the Model Code of Conduct, reducing resource strain and allowing more focus on governance.
Minimized Disruptions: Less frequent elections would mean fewer disruptions to public life, benefiting educational institutions and reducing the burden on teachers and government officials involved in election duties.
Enhanced Voter Participation: Simultaneous elections may reduce "election fatigue," potentially leading to higher voter turnout and engagement.
Consolidated Campaigning: Political parties could benefit from concentrated campaign efforts, allowing smaller parties a better chance to compete effectively.
Economic Advantages: The Kovind Committee report indicated that India's national real GDP growth could be 1.5% points higher in the year following simultaneous elections. Fewer elections might also reduce the influx of black money and pressure on businesses for political donations.
Improved Election Oversight: The concentrated nature of simultaneous elections might facilitate better election monitoring and enhance administrative efficiency.
Challenges in Adopting One Nation, One Election
Implications for Federalism: Synchronizing national and state elections could overshadow local issues, favoring national parties and diminishing regional voices.
Logistical and Resource Strain: Organizing simultaneous elections would place immense strain on the resources and capabilities of the ECI and security forces. Significant investments would be required for EVMs and VVPAT machines.
Constitutional and Legal Hurdles: Implementing ONOE would necessitate significant amendments to the Constitution and Representation of People Act, 1951, potentially altering its fundamental structure.
Potential Governance Gaps: The reduced flexibility in calling early elections could result in prolonged periods of President's Rule in states where governments fall mid-term.
Reduced Political Accountability: Less frequent elections might reduce the accountability of representatives, limiting voters' opportunities to express dissatisfaction.
Operational Pressures on the ECI: The ECI would face significant pressure to conduct free and fair elections simultaneously across the country.
Conclusion
The concept of ONOE presents both opportunities and challenges. While it promises to streamline governance and reduce costs, it also poses significant risks to India's federal structure and political plurality. The success of this proposal hinges on careful deliberation, broad consensus, and meticulous planning to balance the benefits of simultaneous elections with the need to preserve the democratic ethos of the nation.
As the debate continues, the future of "One Nation, One Election" will depend on its ability to address these concerns while enhancing the efficiency and integrity of India's electoral process.
Explore the Judiciary Courses 2025 to access essential resources for Judiciary exam preparation, including detailed insights and strategies. Dive into the Judiciary 2025 for structured courses and focused study plans designed to help aspirants excel in their exams.
