‘One Nation, One Election', 'Waqf Amendment Bill': President Murmu cites major reforms in joint session of Parliament

President Droupadi Murmu

Addressing both Houses of Parliament on Friday, President Droupadi Murmu mentioned about the key reforms under the current government including the 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) and the Waqf Amendment Bill.

"The government is working rapidly in the direction of One Nation, One Election and Waqf (Amendment) Bill. In the last one decade, my government has given new energy to the journey of 'Viksit Bharat'," she said.

Earlier, in her speech on the eve of the 76th Republic Day, Murmu had praised the 'One Nation One Election' bill as a groundbreaking reform, calling it a measure that will "redefine the terms of good governance."

"The 'One Nation One Election' initiative can promote consistency in governance and ensure better management of resources while preventing disruptions caused by frequent election cycles," President Murmu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for simultaneous elections, citing the strain that frequent polls place on resources and administration. Former President Ram Nath Kovind, who chaired a panel on the issue, maintained that the concept was embedded in the original constitutional framework. He noted that India’s first four general elections were held concurrently, challenging the notion that such a system is unconstitutional.

Concept of One Nation, One Election:

One Nation, One Election proposes synchronising Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. Currently, while Lok Sabha elections follow a fixed five-year term, state assembly polls take place at varying intervals depending on their dissolution or other factors. This results in different states going to the polls at different times, creating a scattered election schedule.

Waqf Amendment Bill:

On Thursday, the joint parliamentary committee examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill presented its report to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Committee chairperson Jagdambika Pal met Birla at his Parliament House office to formally submit the document.

The JPC finalised and adopted the draft report and the revised version of the bill on Wednesday.

The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.