Question Q11GS2GS2

Simultaneous elections refer to the concurrent holding of elections at national & sub-national levels, i.e., state & local bodies.

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Answer

Main Body

India used to have simultaneous elections during 1950s & 60s but with political instability, these got out of sync.

Simultaneous elections: As step towards reforming electoral process & governance:-

1As a step away from perennial election mode: every year at least 5-6 states fall & local body polls

2To save huge resources spent in election (eg) 2024 election- ₹75,000 crore cost

3To save up millions of personnel deployed away from their duty - (eg) paramilitary, teachers etc.

4To improve governance: As perennial elections lead to Model code of conduct throughout, preventing welfare scheme announcements

5Bureaucracy remains pre-occupied with election duties, hampering governance

6Urgent voter mobilization election on identity → polarizing in society

So, this could also be checked

Election expenditure by political parties would also come down leading to secrecy of black money & other $ malpractices also

However, few issues as well :-

1Decreased accountability of govt. to voters

2Regional parties may lose due to greater resources & clout of national parties

3Syncing state assemblies cycle with lok Sabha may erode federalism, with tilt towards cnt.

4Nationalization of local issue, → voters maybe drawn more to national discourse, impacting state level issues

Nevertheless, govt has recognized the importance of simultaneous elections & has accepted recommendations of former President Kovind committee, Constitution Amendment bills introduced for its implementation for are under consideration by parliament. Their early passing can ensure smooth implementation.

— ISHITA SHARMA · AIR 268

241 words7 paragraphs

Conclusion

Their early passing can ensure smooth implementation.

7 words

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Topper

ISHITA SHARMA

AIR 2682025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act

Elections

Simultaneous elections

Writing Stats

248

Total words

Paragraphs

Linked PYQ

Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons of merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.

10M2024