President Droupadi Murmu recently emphasized the benefits of the One Nation One Election initiative, highlighting its potential to ensure consistent governance, avoid policy stagnation, and cut down on election-related expenses. This proposal aims to align the election schedules of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies for greater efficiency.
In her speech on the eve of India’s 76th Republic Day, President Murmu noted the government’s active steps to move away from a colonial mindset that has influenced the country for years. She pointed out the introduction of three new criminal laws replacing outdated British-era legislation as a significant milestone in this direction.
One Nation One Election
President Droupadi Murmu described the ‘One Nation One Election‘ bill as a transformative reform that could “redefine the terms of good governance.” She highlighted that this initiative aims to address key challenges such as policy paralysis, resource diversion, and the financial strain caused by frequent elections.
In her address to the nation on the eve of India’s 76th Republic Day, President Murmu stated, “Reforms of this scale require bold vision. The proposed bill to align election schedules across the country holds the potential to enhance governance consistency and deliver multiple benefits, including reduced costs and better resource management.”
Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who led a committee on the ‘One Nation One Election’ proposal, supported the initiative, pointing out its constitutional validity. He noted that the idea of simultaneous elections was envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.
He also reminded that the first four Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, held until 1967, were conducted together, underscoring its historical precedence and feasibility.
Reflecting on India’s Journey Through the Lens of the Constitution
President Murmu emphasized the transformative power of the Indian Constitution, celebrating the nation’s progress over the past 75 years. She acknowledged the immense challenges faced during Independence, including widespread poverty and hunger, and praised the collective resilience that fostered conditions for growth and development.
The President described the Constitution as a “living document” that unites all Indians as one family, providing a shared foundation for collective identity. She credited its principles for driving India’s economic and social progress.
Highlighting the contributions of farmers and laborers, President Murmu noted that India’s economy has become a significant force in global trends, a success rooted in the robust framework of the Constitution. She also mentioned the nation’s high growth rate in recent years, which has boosted incomes, created jobs, and lifted many out of poverty.
Stressing the importance of inclusive growth, she reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring basic necessities like housing, clean drinking water, and other entitlements for all citizens.
Reflecting on India’s historical journey, President Murmu urged citizens to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom, especially on the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. She also paid tribute to visionaries like Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Babasaheb Ambedkar, who united the nation and reinforced its democratic values.
The President underscored that concepts like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are deeply rooted in India’s civilizational heritage, disproving early doubts about the Constitution’s resilience. She highlighted the inclusive nature of the Constituent Assembly, which had 15 women members, a testament to women’s active role in shaping the nation’s destiny. Today, women make up 60% of new teachers, showcasing their growing leadership in shaping the country’s future.
President Murmu expressed hope that future generations would continue to uphold the Constitution’s guiding principles. She envisioned a confident India, driven by the aspirations of its youth, particularly young women, as the nation approaches its 100th Independence anniversary.
She concluded with a call to renew commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, non-violence, and compassion, not just towards humanity, but also towards nature.
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FAQs
Q.1. What is the ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative?
Ans. The ‘One Nation One Election’ initiative proposes aligning the election schedules of the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies to enhance governance efficiency, reduce costs, and prevent policy stagnation.
Q.2. How does ‘One Nation One Election’ benefit governance?
Ans. One Nation One Election reform ensures consistent governance by minimizing policy disruptions caused by frequent elections and optimizing resource allocation for better public service delivery.
Q.3. What are the new laws replacing British-era legislation?
Ans. President Murmu highlighted the introduction of three modern criminal laws aimed at replacing outdated British-era laws, marking a step towards eliminating colonial influence in governance.
Q.4. How did President Murmu describe the Indian Constitution?
Ans. President Murmu referred to the Constitution as a “living document” that unites all Indians, emphasizing its role in shaping the nation’s collective identity and driving socio-economic progress.
Q.5. What historical precedent supports ‘One Nation One Election’?
Ans. Simultaneous elections were conducted for the first four Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections until 1967, showcasing its feasibility and historical significance.
