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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reaffirmed the Indian government's dedication to implementing the 'One Nation, One Poll' policy, a proposal championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This policy aims to synchronize elections across the nation, encompassing national, state, and local levels, with the goal of streamlining the electoral process and achieving significant cost savings.
Sitharaman, speaking at the News18 India Chaupal, emphasized that consultations on the framework for 'One Nation, One Poll' have been concluded, with a broad consensus emerging from the public. The prevailing understanding is that conducting elections for different states annually, including at the panchayat level, places an immense financial burden on the nation. This expenditure not only involves organizing the elections themselves but also the inevitable disruption to development projects, as the Model Code of Conduct mandated during election periods restricts any progress.
Sitharaman highlighted the substantial financial strain associated with repeated elections. The implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits any significant development activities during election campaigns, leads to a temporary standstill in progress. This creates a significant administrative hurdle, as projects often require special permission from the Election Commission to continue, further hindering the smooth flow of governance. The Finance Minister stressed the national interest in mitigating these disruptions and unnecessary expenses, arguing that the repeated obstruction of development projects and the substantial expenditure incurred for each election represent avoidable financial burdens on the nation.
Furthermore, Sitharaman revealed that the government has received recommendations from a committee headed by a former President of India. This committee's insights have contributed to shaping the government's approach to implementing the policy. Sitharaman reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to this reform under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the policy's importance for the overall well-being of the nation.
The 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal, if implemented, promises several benefits. Synchronized elections across the nation would reduce election fatigue, allowing citizens to engage in the democratic process without facing constant election cycles. Additionally, the policy holds the potential to substantially reduce public expenditures, freeing up resources for crucial development initiatives. By minimizing disruptions and maximizing efficiency, the policy seeks to create a more stable and conducive environment for continuous governance and development.
Source: Government committed to implementing One Nation, One Election policy, says FM Sitharaman