11 months ago
Economists Discuss Simultaneous Elections Before House Panel
Imagine if the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections happened at the same time.
Economists discussed this idea with a parliamentary committee.
Arvind Panagariya and Surjit Bhalla support this, saying frequent elections delay important work because of the Model Code of Conduct.
However, another economist, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, thought the cost of elections shouldn't be the only reason for change.
The discussion centered around synchronizing election dates, to reduce the number of elections.
Economists discussed costs of frequent elections at a parliamentary committee meeting.
Arvind Panagariya highlighted delays in policymaking due to the Model Code of Conduct.
Surjit Bhalla suggested holding state elections mid-term of Lok Sabha.
Montek Singh Ahluwalia stated that economic costs should not be the sole factor.
The committee considered bills for implementing simultaneous elections.
- Who
- Arvind Panagariya, Surjit Bhalla, Montek Singh Ahluwalia
- What
- Presented views on simultaneous elections to parliamentary committee
- Where
- Before the Joint Committee of Parliament
- When
- December 23, 2024
- Why
- To discuss simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and Assemblies
Arguments for Simultaneous Elections
Arguments against Focusing Solely on Economic Costs
Impact of the Model Code of Conduct
Arguments for Simultaneous Elections
The imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) delays the process of policymaking, particularly in the State.
Arguments against Focusing Solely on Economic Costs
The economic cost is not the sole factor that determines shifting to joint polls.
Key facts
- Event
- Joint Parliamentary Committee Meeting
- Key Proponents
- Arvind Panagariya, Surjit Bhalla, Montek Singh Ahluwalia
- Issue Discussed
- One Nation, One Election
- Proposed Solutions
- Synchronizing Elections
- Committee Chair
- BJP MP P P Chaudhary
- Focus of Discussion
- Costs of holding elections
Quotes
Surjit Bhalla
Leading economist and former Executive Director at the IMF
“reduced frequency of elections under ONOE will lead to a reduction in violence.”
thehansindia.com
“Non-simultaneous elections are expensive and a luxury we can no longer afford”
thehansindia.com
Arvind Panagariya
Chairman, 16th Finance Commission
“In contrast, the once-in-five-years election model offers a longer and clearer policy horizon for both state and central governments, lowering uncertainty and creating stability that encourages private capital formation”
thehansindia.com
