The Government of India has appointed former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, as a member of a high-level committee tasked with examining the feasibility of simultaneous elections in the country. This development was announced by the Union Ministry of Law & Justice today, as it revealed the formation of the committee under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind, reports news agency KNO.
Azad’s inclusion in the panel is attributed to his prior role as the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, lending his expertise and experience to the discussions. The committee boasts a diverse set of members, including prominent figures such as Amit Shah, the Union Minister for Home Affairs & Cooperatives; Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, leader of the single largest party in the Lok Sabha; N.K. Singh, former chairman of the 15th Finance Commission; Dr. Subash Kashyap, former Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha; Harish Salve, a senior advocate; and Sanjay Kothari, the former Chief Vigilance Commissioner.
The primary objective of this high-level committee is to delve into the intricacies of holding simultaneous elections to various tiers of government in India, including the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities, and Panchayats. In doing so, the committee will meticulously assess the existing framework established under the Constitution of India, along with other pertinent statutory provisions.
Furthermore, the committee will make recommendations for specific amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of Peoples Act, and the rules derived from these legal foundations. These proposed amendments are expected to facilitate the realization of simultaneous elections across the nation, a concept that has been under consideration for some time.
One key aspect the committee will scrutinize is whether the suggested amendments to the Constitution necessitate ratification by the State Assemblies, highlighting the importance of consensus and collaboration among the states in implementing any potential changes.
(Inputs from news agency KNO)
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The Chenab Times News Desk
