What Is The Road Ahead For 'One Nation, One Election' To Become An Act?

Marking a significant effort towards electoral reform in India, the One Nation, One Election bill has finally been introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament. However, this does not end the tussle between the opposition benches over the issue. In order to become an act, the bill has to pass through multiple stages and will also have to stand the tests in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

So, what will be the road ahead for this bill to become law?

First, the bill will be sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further deliberations. The JPC will analyse the bill, followed by consultations with the public and meetings with all stakeholders, like the Election Commission, etc. Then the committee will table the report in the Lok Sabha. In case of rejection, the bill will be revised and reintroduced in the Lok Sabha.

Lok Sabha and Raj Sabha Proceedings

After the JPC stage, there will be debate and discussion in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, and if no amendments are made, the bill will be voted on directly. In case amendments are proposed, the voting on amendments will take place first and then the bill will be put through a final vote. If the Lok Sabha passes the bill, it will be sent to the Rajya Sabha, where the same procedure will be followed. However, if the bill is rejected in the Rajya Sabha, it will be returned to the Lok Sabha. If passed, the bill will be sent to the President for assent, and once signed, it will become law.

The bill's passage will depend on the ability of the government to build consensus among various parties and address the concerns of the opposition. If passed, the One Nation, One Election bill will have a significant impact on India's electoral process, reducing election costs, minimising administrative challenges, and improving governance.

Now it will be interesting to see how it progresses and whether it becomes a reality in the near future.