NEWS – High level committee on Simultaneous elections in India headed by Ramnath Kovind has submitted its report

WHAT HAS THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED

1. Amendment to the Constitution for Simultaneous Elections:
   • Proposes a two-step amendment process for enabling simultaneous elections.
   • First step involves simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies without requiring state ratification.
   • Second step involves synchronizing elections for municipalities and panchayats with Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections; ie; conducting the elections within 100 days of main election , requiring ratification by at least half of the states.
2. Single Electoral Roll and Election ID:
   • Suggests amending the Constitution to facilitate the preparation of a single electoral roll and election photo identity cards for all three tiers of government.
   • This amendment would allow the Election Commission of India to prepare a unified electoral roll and ID in consultation with State Election Commissions, requiring ratification by at least half of the states.
3. Resolution of Hung House or No-Confidence Motion:
   • Recommends holding fresh elections in the event of a hung House, no-confidence motion, or similar circumstances.
   • These elections would be conducted to constitute the new Lok Sabha or state Assembly for the remaining term of the House.
4. Meeting Logistics Requirements:
   • Urges the Election Commission of India to proactively plan and estimate logistical needs in advance.
   • This includes manpower, polling personnel, security forces, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), etc., in consultation with State Election Commissions.
   • Aims to ensure the smooth conduct of free and fair simultaneous elections across all three tiers of government.