Question : Electoral Reforms

(a) whether the Government has taken any decision regarding implementation of electoral reforms in the country including holding of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, use of Totaliser for counting of votes, facility of e-voting and revamping of Electronic Voting Machines etc. as per the recommendations made by Law Commission, Election Commission and other Committees;
(b) if so, the details and the present status thereof;
(c) the time-frame set for implementation of these electoral reforms in the country;
(d) whether the Government has set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) to examine the issue of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government had consulted various political parties/ stakeholders before setting up the GoM on the issue and if so, the details thereof along with the outcome of such consultations?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE
(SHRI D.V. SADANANDA GOWDA)

(a) to (c): The Law Commission has submitted its 244th and 255th Report containing certain recommendations on electoral reforms, including introduction of Totaliser for counting of votes. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice in its 79th Report has also given certain recommendations for holding of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. These recommendations, including proposals for introduction of e-postal ballot system for overseas electors and Armed Forces Personnel and for replacement of obsolete Electronic Voting Machines, are under the consideration of the Government. Since the issues involved would require consultation with various stake holders, no specific time frame can be indicated.
(d) and (e): No, Madam.