Overview
The Joint committee of Parliament that is reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 has been given a fresh extension. The new deadline is the last week of the Winter Session, which ends just before Christmas 2026.
Key Developments
- The committee chair, P.P. Chaudhary, moved a resolution to push the report submission to the first day of the last week of the Winter Session.
- The resolution was approved by voice vote, indicating consensus among members.
- The committee continues nationwide consultations on the rollout of One Nation One Election by 2029.
Important Facts
The Lok Sabha and State assemblies are slated for simultaneous elections along with local bodies. The committee comprises 41 members and has been gathering inputs from political parties, civil society and election officials across the country.
Exam Relevance
This development touches several UPSC topics:
- Constitutional amendment process – the bill seeks to amend the Constitution, a key area in GS‑2 (Polity).
- Electoral reforms – the proposal aims to streamline the electoral calendar, relevant for questions on governance and public administration.
- Federal‑state relations – synchronising elections impacts the balance of power between Centre and States, a frequent GS‑2 theme.
- Parliamentary procedure – the use of a joint committee and voice vote illustrates legislative mechanisms examined in GS‑2.
Way Forward
With the extended deadline, the committee will finalize its report by early December 2026. The report will be tabled in Parliament during the remaining days of the Winter Session. If approved, the amendment could be enacted before the next general election, setting the stage for the first simultaneous elections in 2029. Aspirants should monitor the committee’s recommendations, the parliamentary debate, and any subsequent legislative action, as these will shape future electoral policy and constitutional discourse.