Question : Electoral Reforms

(a) The Status of each of 40 recommendations/proposals regarding electoral reforms pending with the Ministry along with the period for which the above electoral reforms have been pending;
(b) whether it is true that the Law Commission has sent a reminder in May, 2021 for expeditious consideration of proposals relating to electoral reforms, if so, the details thereof;
(c) the efforts being made by the Ministry to bring in amendments to the concerned laws;
(d) Whether the Government is planning to link Aadhar Card with Voter Identity Card as part of electoral reforms on the basis of recommendation of Election Commission of India, if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to bring any further changes as a part of electoral reforms to make the election process more transparent and people friendly, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a): The Government of India has been receiving suggestions/recommendations on electoral reforms from time to time from various bodies including the Election Commission of India (ECI), political parties, eminent persons, etc., with a view to carry out further reforms. However, in the year 2013, the issue of electoral reforms in its entirety was referred to the Law Commission of India. The Law Commission has submitted its 244th and 255th Report containing various recommendations on electoral reforms, which are under consideration of the Government.

(b): No Sir.

(c) to (e): On the recommendation of the ECI the Election Laws(Amendment) Act, 2021 (49 of 2021) has been enacted by the Parliament which, inter alia, envisages linking of Electoral Roll with Aadhaarnumberto curb the menace of multiple enrolment of the same person in different places. Further, theElectoral reforms are continuous and ongoing process and the same are considered and implemented through various amendment Acts from time to time.
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