New Delhi: Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation One Election, along with committee members Shri N. K. Singh, Dr. Subhash Kashyap, and Shri Sanjay Kothari, held a constructive meeting with leading economists of the country today. The discussions revolved around a paper co-authored by Dr. N.K. Singh and Dr. Prachi Mishra, titled, “Macroeconomic Impact of Harmonizing Electoral Cycles,” which had been previously presented to the HLC.
The paper highlighted the broader economic implications of synchronizing electoral cycles beyond the financial expenses involved. Issues such as GDP growth, investment, public expenditure, fiscal deficit, education, health outcomes, law and order, and uncertainty among investors were brought to the forefront. Recognizing the significance of these aspects, the HLC decided to delve deeper into the paper, prompting a broader discussion.
In a brainstorming session, the paper was presented by the co-authors, seeking feedback and insights from distinguished economists. Participants in the meeting included Prof. Chetan Ghate, Director, Institute of Economic Growth (IEG); Dr. Deepak Mishra, Director & Chief Executive, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER); Prof. Indira Rajaraman, Non-Resident Honorary Distinguished Fellow, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR); Dr. Poonam Gupta, Director General, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER); Dr. Rakesh Mohan, President Emeritus & Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP); Shri. Sanjiv Puri, President -Designate, CII; Chairman and Managing Director, ITC Limited; Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla, Former Executive Director, IMF for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka; Shri Siddhartha, Editor, Times of India; Shri Vaidyanathan Iyer, Editor, Indian Express; Shri. Marut Sen Gupta, Deputy Director General, CII; Ms. Amita Sarkar, Deputy Director General, CII; and Shri. Binoy Job, Executive Director, CII.
Additionally, the HLC engaged in an insightful interaction with Shri Asaduddin Owaisi, Member of Parliament and President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), who shared his party’s perspectives on the issue of simultaneous elections.
Continuing their consultations with State Election Commissioners, the committee met with Shri Sanjay Prasad, State Election Commissioner of Gujarat. Shri Prasad shed light on the logistical and legislative requirements necessary for conducting simultaneous elections for local bodies along with State Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. The comprehensive discussions reflected the committee’s commitment to gathering diverse perspectives for a well-rounded understanding of the One Nation One Election proposal.