PM renews call for debate on simultaneous polls |ForumIAS

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News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for widespread consultation on simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha during NITI Aayog meeting.

Simultaneous elections:

Meaning:

Simultaneous elections is a proposal by the prime minister to hold the elections of Lok Sabha and the state legislative elections on the same dates.

Arguments in favour :

1- It will help in reduction of government expenditure.

2- It would ensure consistency, continuity and efficiency in the governance.

3- Frequent electoral cycles disrupt normal public life by impacting the delivery of essential services.

4- Better utilitzation of resources.

5- Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the election period is detrimental in implementation of development programmes.

6- Curb corruption and build a more conducive socio-economic ecosystem.

7- Simultaneous polls would free central armed forces and manpower that is deployed at regular intervals for election duty.

Argument against:

It would involve amendments to the Constitution.

Critics argue that people are well adopted to the present system of elections.

Due to large illiteracy prevail in the country a new measure can create confusion among the masses.

There can be unhealthy competition between the National parties and state parties which is not good for our democracy.

Important facts:

Amending terms of reference of the 15^th Finance Commission, the current population as per 2011 census should the basis.
PM has asked the states to give “fresh ideas” for incentivizing outcome based allocations and expenditure correction.
Finance commission devolution formula has to take cognizance of the relative backwardness and low per capita incomes of some states.
However, the states like Andhra Pradesh have demanded that 1971 census be ued as reference for 15^th Finance Commission.
PM asked states(Delhi, Goa, J&K, Odisha, Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura) which did not represent in the meeting to fix “ambitious growth target”
Committee on seven Chief Ministers from states (MP, Bihar, Sikkim, Gujarat, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, UP), to be set up to make recommendations on leveraging MGNREGA in the agriculture sector.
Explore opportunities to increase corporate investment in agriculture.
Challenge before India is to take economic growth to double digits.

PM renews call for debate on simultaneous polls