One nation, one election, an oil & gas exploration, and a 'misleading' report
Sep 20, 2024
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Damini Nath, a journalist from Indian Express, dives into the intriguing concept of One Nation, One Election, elaborating on the Ramnath Kovind committee's recommendations and the challenges of synchronizing polls in India. Nikhil Ghanekar, also from Indian Express, sheds light on an ambitious oil and gas exploration project in Assam, discussing environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles. The conversation also touches on India's diplomatic stance regarding defense exports amidst global tensions, revealing the complexities of international relations.
The One Nation, One Election initiative seeks synchronized electoral processes across India, necessitating constitutional amendments and extensive logistical preparations.
Vedanta Limited’s oil and gas exploration project in Assam faces scrutiny, emphasizing the need for stringent environmental assessments to protect local wildlife.
Deep dives
One Nation, One Election Initiative
The Indian government is pushing for simultaneous elections at national, state, and local levels through the One Nation, One Election initiative. A high-level committee, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has proposed that Lok Sabha and state assembly elections be synchronized, followed by local body polls within 100 days. This would require significant constitutional amendments to align the electoral terms of various assemblies with that of the Lok Sabha. The government aims to initiate nationwide consultations and establish an implementation committee for this plan, with hopes of executing it within the current parliamentary term.
Challenges of Synchronized Elections
Implementing synchronized elections in India presents logistical challenges, as many state elections currently occur at different times. The committee recommended a one-time transitory measure where newly elected assemblies would have their terms curtailed to coincide with Lok Sabha elections. To facilitate this, the Election Commission would require double the number of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) currently needed, along with significantly more security personnel to manage simultaneous voting across states. The successful execution of this plan hinges on constitutional amendments and addressing the complexities of managing elections in a country as vast and varied as India.
Oil and Gas Exploration in Assam
Vedanta Limited's proposal for oil and gas exploration in Assam has received Stage 1 approval, allowing them to drill in an eco-sensitive zone known for its wildlife. The exploratory drilling is aimed at determining the presence of hydrocarbons and requires careful environmental assessment due to the region's significance for local fauna, including elephants and leopards. The project is subject to strict regulations that mandate compensatory afforestation and adherence to conservation protocols to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Local forest officials have underscored the need for a comprehensive wildlife management plan to minimize disturbance to species inhabiting the area, particularly the vulnerable Hulongapaar Gibbon.
First, we talk to Indian Express’ Damini Nath about the implementation of One Nation, One Election. She talks about the recommendations of the Ramnath Kovind committee and when and how will simultaneous polls be held in India now that the Union Cabinet has approved the committee’s recommendations.
Next, Indian Express’ Nikhil Ghanekar informs us about a gas and oil exploration project that received it's first stage clearance for an exploration drilling in Assam's eco-sensitive zone. (8:33)
And in the end, we talk about India’s response to a media report on the diversion of defense exports to Ukraine. (17:33)
Hosted, written and produced by Niharika Nanda Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
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