Centre Spent Rs 95,344 on ‘One Nation, One Election’ Report

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. The government spent Rs 95,344 on preparing the ‘One Nation, One Election’ report, according to an RTI application.
2. The report, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, examined the feasibility of simultaneous elections.
3. The expenses included costs for research, consultancy, travel, and printing.
4. No payment was made to committee members, who contributed voluntarily.
5. The proposed constitutional amendment bills have been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Expenditure on the Report
The government spent Rs 95,344 on drafting the ‘One Nation, One Election’ report, aimed at evaluating the practicality of conducting simultaneous elections across India. This expenditure was disclosed following a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by India Today. The report was created by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, set up by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Committee Structure
The committee was formed on September 2, 2023, and after 194 days, submitted its findings on March 14, 2024. The committee, chaired by Ram Nath Kovind, included prominent figures such as Union Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Finance Commission Chairman N.K. Singh. Other members like former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash C. Kashyap and Senior Advocate Harish Salve were also part of the group. Despite the significant contributions, no payments were made to these members for their work, implying that their participation was voluntary.

Breakdown of Expenditure
The breakdown of the expenditures reveals various categories, including Information, Computer, and Telecommunication services, Office expenses, Professional services, Machinery, Digital equipment, Domestic travel expenses, and Printing & Publication. The average cost of Rs 491 per day indicates the daily financial commitment, excluding holidays when the committee may not have been working.

Legislative Amendments and Bills
On December 17, 2024, the government introduced two key bills—the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Law (Amendment) Bill—in the Lok Sabha. The bills aim to lay the legal framework for conducting simultaneous elections across the nation. With 269 members supporting and 198 opposing, the bills were referred for detailed review by a Joint Parliamentary Committee, making it clear that further discussions are necessary before implementation.

Significance of the Report and Next Steps
The ‘One Nation, One Election’ report carries significant implications for India’s electoral system. If implemented, this proposal could reshape the way elections are held in the country, fostering synchrony and reducing election-related disruptions. The government is keen on proceeding cautiously, taking expert advice and addressing legal challenges. The referral of the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee signals that the implementation of such a monumental change will involve thorough deliberation.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. The government spent Rs 95,344 on drafting the ‘One Nation, One Election’ report.
2. The expenditure covers research, consultancy, travel, and other necessary categories.
3. No payments were made to committee members, highlighting their voluntary contribution.
4. Legislative amendments have been proposed and referred for a Joint Parliamentary Committee’s review.
5. The report paves the way for discussions on synchronizing elections across India.

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