Srinagar, Sept 02 (KNS): Former chiminister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad was on Saturday appointed as member of the High Level Committee to examine whether the country will have "one nation, one election" or simultaneous national and state elections system.
AS per details available with Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the committee will be headed by former President of India Ram Nath Kovind, while union home minister Amit Shah and Ghulam Nabi Azad have been appointed as members of the committee.
The other members include leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, N.K Singh, former chairman 15th Finance Commission, Dr. Subhash C Kashyap, former Secretary General, Lok Sabha, Harish Salve, senior advocate and Sanjay Kothari, former Chief Vigilance Commissioner
The committee will examine and make recommendation for holding simultaneous elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha), State
Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities and Panchayats, keeping in view the existing framework under the Constitution of India and other statutory provisions, and for that purpose, examine and recommend specific amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder and any other law or rules which would require amendments for the purpose of holding simultaneous elections;
The panel will also examine and recommend, if the amendments to the Constitution would require ratification by the States, analyse and recommend possible solution in a scenario of simultaneous elections emerging out of hung House, adoption of no-confidence motion, or defection or any such other event.
It will also suggest a framework for synchronisation of elections and specifically, suggest the phases and time frame within which
simultaneous elections may be held if they cannot be held in one go and also suggest any amendments to the Constitution and other laws in this regard and propose such rules that may be required in such circumstances.
It will recommend necessary safeguards for ensuring the continuity of the cycle of simultaneous elections and recommend necessary amendments to the Constitution, so that the cycle of simultaneous elections is not disturbed.
The panel will examine the logistics and manpower required, including EVMs, VVPATs, etc., for holding such simultaneous elections, examine and recommend the modalities of use of a single electoral roll and electoral identity cards for identification of voters in elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha), State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities and Panchayats.
The HLC shall commence functioning immediately and make recommendations at the earliest, while its headquarters shall be at New Delhi.
The HLC may decide its own procedure for conducting its meetings and other relevant functions and may hear and entertain all persons, representations and communications which in the opinion of the HLC shall facilitate its work and enable it to finalise its recommendations. (KNS)