By Dr. Monica B Sood
The One Nation, One Election bill, an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is a giant leap towards redefining the democratic characteristics of India. This reform is proposed to achieve the synchrony between the regularity of state and central government elections. The present scattered pattern of elections brings in the backdrop of numerous challenges in terms of cost and the constant disruption of administration led by elections.
Through this bill, unification of election will save unnecessary funds and human resources that can be diverted to long-term developmental initiatives and not just the 5-year political manoeuvring. More than just an “administrative reform”, it is transformational in its essence. It demonstrates the desire of India’s leadership to enshrine progress and innovation within administration and governance.
The bill commences a democratic aspiration in the country, which will operate with greater alignment, coherence, and rationale. It intends to focus on uniting the nation and maintaining the blueprint for growth. This initiative stands before India as a renaissance of new democratic values that will integrate the conventional wisdom with the modern approach, implementation with aspiration and tradition with modernity.
The current election paradigm: A hindrance to governance
India, the world’s largest democracy, is also one of its most electorally dynamic nations. However, this dynamism comes at a cost. With elections to various assemblies and the Lok Sabha staggered across states, the country finds itself in perpetual election mode. On average, Indians head to the polls every six months. This constant electoral cycle entails massive logistical expenses, diverts governance focus, and places an undue burden on taxpayers.
The financial strain of this system is staggering. According to reports, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections cost the exchequer a record Rs 60,000 crore. Adding state assembly elections to this equation compounds the expenditure significantly. Beyond fiscal costs, these frequent elections disrupt governance, as policy decisions and developmental work are often deferred due to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
One nation, one election: Path to transformation
The ONOE bill, under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, seeks to address these inefficiencies by synchronizing elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, panchayats, and urban local bodies. This bold reform is a practical solution to India’s electoral conundrum, promising to yield tangible benefits that extend beyond financial savings.
Economic benefits: Unlocking India’s growth potential
A synchronized electoral cycle is projected to result in significant economic gains. According to preliminary estimates by economists, implementing ONOE could save India over Rs 1 lakh crore in election-related expenses over a five-year period. But the economic impact goes beyond immediate cost reductions.
Boosting GDP Growth: By eliminating the frequent disruptions caused by elections, ONOE allows governments to focus on long-term policies and economic initiatives. Economists suggest that this uninterrupted governance could boost India’s GDP growth rate by up to 1.5-2% annually. For a $3.7 trillion economy like India, this translates to an additional $55-70 billion in annual economic output.
Increased Investor Confidence: The constant electoral cycle often creates policy uncertainty, which can deter foreign and domestic investors. By ensuring a stable and predictable governance environment, ONOE will instil greater investor confidence, attracting more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and accelerating industrial growth.
Optimizing Resource Allocation: Frequent elections demand extensive deployment of security personnel and infrastructure, diverting resources from critical areas like education, healthcare, and rural development. A unified election cycle will free up these resources for developmental purposes, enhancing overall productivity.
Strengthening democracy: Psychological and social benefits
Beyond the economic advantages, the ONOE bill has profound implications for the psychological well-being of citizens and the socio-political fabric of the nation.
Reducing Electoral Fatigue: The constant call to vote can lead to disengagement among citizens, diluting the sanctity of the democratic process. Synchronizing elections will alleviate voter fatigue, encouraging greater participation and fostering a more engaged electorate.
Promoting National Harmony: A unified electoral process reinforces the idea of national unity, encouraging citizens to think beyond regional or state-specific issues. By fostering a collective consciousness, ONOE can strengthen the bonds of solidarity among India’s diverse populace.
Minimizing Polarisation: The frequent elections often exacerbate political divisions and promote short-term, populist measures. A synchronized cycle compels political parties to adopt a more holistic and long-term approach to governance, reducing polarization and enabling constructive debate.
Empowering Women and Marginalized Groups: With a streamlined electoral process, administrative resources can be redirected towards social empowerment programs, including those targeting gender equality and the upliftment of marginalized communities. This shift will have a cascading effect on the overall quality of life for millions of Indians.
Governance efficiency: long-term policy vision
One of the most significant advantages of the ONOE bill is the impetus it provides for uninterrupted governance. Frequent elections compel governments to operate with a short-term perspective, prioritizing immediate electoral gains over long-term policy initiatives. Synchronizing elections ensures that governments can focus on developmental work for a fixed term without the looming shadow of upcoming elections.
Uninterrupted Policy Implementation: Policies related to infrastructure, healthcare, and education often require years to bear fruit. A unified electoral cycle allows governments to implement such initiatives without the pressure of mid-term electoral performance.
Streamlined Bureaucracy: With elections held once every five years, the administrative machinery can operate with greater efficiency, free from the repeated disruptions caused by electoral preparations.
Addressing criticism: A balanced perspective
Every visionary reform encounters resistance, and the ONOE bill is no exception. Critics argue that synchronizing elections may dilute regional issues, overshadowing them with national narratives. While this is a valid concern, it is important to recognize that regional aspirations can still find representation through robust parliamentary debates and decentralized governance.
Another critique is the logistical challenge of conducting simultaneous elections in a country as vast and diverse as India. However, India’s Election Commission, renowned for its expertise in managing large-scale electoral processes, is well-equipped to navigate these challenges. Additionally, technological advancements such as electronic voting machines (EVMs) and blockchain-based voting systems can further simplify the process.
A vision for India’s future
The One Nation, One Election bill is not merely an administrative reform; it is a testament to PM Narendra Modi’s commitment to shaping a stronger, more efficient India. It reflects a vision that goes beyond immediate electoral cycles, aiming to create a unified, prosperous, and forward-looking nation. The benefits of this reform extend across multiple dimensions:
Economic Growth: Increased GDP, reduced public expenditure, and heightened investor confidence.
Strengthened Democracy: Higher voter engagement, reduced polarization, and a spirit of national unity.
Enhanced Governance: Long-term policy vision, efficient resource allocation, and uninterrupted developmental work.
India stands at the cusp of a historic transformation. The ONOE bill is not just about elections-it is about reimagining the democratic process to align with the aspirations of a 21st-century superpower. As the nation embraces this reform, it sends a powerful message to the world: India is ready to lead, innovate, and inspire.
A bold step towards progress
Criticism will always accompany change, but history remembers those who dared to envision a better future. The One Nation, One Election bill is a bold and pragmatic step towards realizing the full potential of India’s democracy. By saving resources, streamlining governance, and fostering unity, it paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future.
The author Dr. Monica B Sood, is a socio-economic analysist and the chairperson of NUSC (National Unity and Security Council)
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