Fri Jan 17 17:30:11 UTC 2025: ## Prominent Economists Back “One Nation, One Election,” Highlighting Economic Benefits
**New Delhi, India** – Former and current Finance Commission Chairmen, Arvind Panagariya and N.K. Singh, respectively, have voiced strong support for the proposed “One Nation, One Election” system, emphasizing its potential to boost India’s economic growth. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, both economists argued that frequent elections hinder the government’s ability to implement crucial reforms.
Panagariya, former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, described the initiative as a “far-reaching reform” with significant implications for economic development. He highlighted the current situation, where elections are held frequently, preventing the government from enacting major reforms that become contentious election issues.
Singh echoed these sentiments, citing wasteful expenditure and widespread distractions caused by the constant election cycle.
The comments come as a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviews the “One Nation, One Election” bill, which aims to synchronize parliamentary and state assembly elections. The bill requires constitutional amendments, necessitating a two-thirds majority in Parliament and ratification by state and Union Territory governments.
However, the proposal faces significant opposition. Opposition parties have raised concerns that the bill undermines the Constitution and infringes upon states’ rights to self-determination, accusations the government denies. The debate over the bill and its potential impact on India’s political and economic landscape continues.
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