Joint polls see high GDP growth, low inflation: Kovind committee told

La Excellence IAS Academy

Joint polls see high GDP growth, low inflation: Kovind committee told

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La Excellence IAS Academy | March 13, 2024 | Indian Polity



Syllabus: GS-II Subject: Polity Topic: Elections & RPA, Issue: Simultaneous polls

Context: A report on  macroeconomic impact of simultaneous elections submitted to the Ram Nath Kovind led committee.

Highlights of the report:

Taking data of the election years — 1962, 1967, 1977, 1980, and 1984-85,the report found that

  • GDP growth increased by 1.5 percentage points more by simultaneous polls.
  • Higher investments in the period around simultaneous election years compared to non-simultaneous years.
  • Expenditure is more efficient post simultaneous elections,
  • Inflation tends to be lower, learning outcomes are better, and crime rate is lower.

Simultaneous polls:

  • Structuring the elections for the State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha to take place at the same time.
  • In practice until 1967, fell out of sync due to frequent dissolution of Lok Sabhas and Assemblies.
Benefits Challenges
Significant cost savings for the public exchequer. Constitutional amendments for at least five articles namely Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356.
Reduced strain on administrative structures and security forces, Contradictory to the principles of the Constitution and federalism.(S.Y Quraishi)
Policy paralysis during Model Code of Conduct addressed Implementation challenges:

1.     What happens in case of hung assembly?

2.    What if a government falls before completion of its term?

Consistently focused on developmental efforts Disproportionately benefits national parties which have high financial resources.

High-Level Committee (HLC):

  • A High-Level Committee (HLC) on “One Nation, One Election” was constituted by the Government of India 2023.
  • Chairperson: Former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind
  • Purpose : To examine the feasibility and recommend a framework for holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of States.

Source: Indian Express

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