JAMMU, OCT 18: Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch organized significant prelude Conference on the theme “One Nation One Election”. Prof. Suresh Misra, Chair Professor (Consumer Affairs) at the Centre for Consumer Studies, IIPA, New Delhi, delivered the keynote address. Sh. B.R. Sharma, IAS (Retd), State Election Commissioner and Chairman of IIPA JKRB, served as the Chief Guest, while Shri Kuldeep Khoda, IPS (Retd), former DGP of J&K Police presided over the event.
In his keynote address, Prof. Misra underscored the vital principles of democracy, stressing the necessity for free and fair elections and acknowledged that India has a robust parliamentary system. Prof. Misra explored the concept of simultaneous elections, referencing international examples from countries such as South Africa, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He traced the initiative’s origins to discussions initiated by former President Sh. Pranab Mukherjee in 2017 and the subsequent formation of a high-level committee under Sh. Ram Nath Kovind. The proposed electoral reform aims to implement a two-step process for Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, with panchayat and local urban body elections within 100 days.
He also highlighted expected merits which include continuity of governance, greater emphasis on policy implementation, reduced expenditure and single voter list. He also acknowledged potential demerits, including the risk of overshadowing regional issues by national concerns and neglecting local needs. He emphasized the importance of building consensus, particularly given the frequency of elections and the necessity of a Model Code of Conduct to maintain electoral integrity.
Sh. B.R. Sharma, in his address, outlined essential concepts underpinning democracy, emphasizing its mechanics and structure as crucial for fostering greater accountability. He highlighted the significance of making democratic processes which empower citizens and enhance their engagement with the government. His insights reinforced the critical role of informed citizen participation in strengthening democracy and ensuring that governance remains transparent and responsive to the needs of the populace.
In his presidential remarks, Shri Kuldeep Khoda emphasized the importance of collating diverse opinions to drive major electoral reforms. He discussed the necessity of a coordinated approach in managing elections, particularly in deploying security forces to ensure a smooth electoral process. Shri Khoda highlighted the intersection of preservation and internal security during elections, referencing the influential contributions of Sh. T.N. Seshan, a former Chief Election Commissioner, and underscored the significance of the Delhi Elections 2019 as a case study in effective electoral management. He however cautioned citizens to judiciously use social media to ensure that a positive and favourable environment to strengthen the democratic process.
Sh. K.B. Jandial, IAS (Retd), Vice Chairman in his welcome address set the context for the conference by discussing the multifaceted implications of the “One Nation One Election” proposal. Prof. Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary, presented the formal vote of thanks, while the proceedings were conducted by Prof. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary.
The program was attended by officials from the State Election Commission, media representatives, faculty and students from the University of Jammu, members of IIPA, and eminent individuals from civil society and the Central Government Pensioners Association, Jammu.
