One Nation, One Election: JPC seeks views from VCs on Amendment Bill

BJP MP PP Chaudhary, chairman of the JPC on 'One Nation, One Election', said the panel is seeking views from national university VCs on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and examining it from a legal perspective to be 'future proof'.

BJP MP PP Chaudhary on Wednesday emphasised the importance of collecting different views on the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, particularly from Vice-Chancellors of national universities. He is the chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) formed on 'One Nation, One Election'.

JPC's Deliberative Process

Chaudhary said that the detailed discussions are underway and pointed out that India is a mature "democracy" and if this initiative is implemented effectively, it could inspire other democracies. He further said that the panel is examining the bill from a legal perspective to ensure that it is is future proof. "Vice-Chancellors from 8 national universities are here, and we are meeting with them. We will seek their suggestions on the main provisions of this bill--particularly, what their views are on them and what changes they want in them. We are examining this matter from a legal perspective to determine how the draft of the bill should be prepared. Whenever any law is made, its purpose is to remain relevant for many decades. Our country is a mature democracy; therefore, this initiative could serve as an example for other mature democracies. At this time, detailed discussions are underway on this, and the views of all relevant parties are being heard," Chaudhary told ANI after the meeting.

Bills Under Scrutiny for Simultaneous Elections

The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, is linked to the proposed reform popularly known as "One Nation, One Election," which seeks to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is also part of the broader framework aimed at facilitating the implementation of simultaneous elections across the country.

The JPC is currently reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These Bills, introduced on December 17, 2024, in the Lok Sabha and sent to the JPC for further scrutiny, collectively aim to introduce simultaneous elections across the country. (ANI)

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