The Union Cabinet approved the 'One Nation, One Election' plan on Thursday, and draft legislation for it will be presented in Parliament. According to sources, the bill might be introduced during the current Winter session of Parliament.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a cabinet meeting where the decision was made. The government is eager to hold broader consultations on bills that may be sent to a parliamentary committee. Sources indicated that the government also plans to involve Speakers of various state legislative assemblies through the committee for discussions. As part of its 'one nation, one election' initiative, the government in September approved the high-level committee's recommendations to conduct simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies in phases.

Following a national effort to reach a consensus, the group, which was chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, issued eleven recommendations. 

1. The committee concluded that holding frequent elections each year negatively impacts the economy, polity, and society. It recommended reinstating simultaneous elections to alleviate this burden.

2. The first phase involves aligning the election dates for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Subsequently, municipal and panchayat elections will be synchronised with these, taking place within 100 days.

3. Following a general election, the President may issue a notification declaring the date on which the Lok Sabha convenes as the 'appointed date', ensuring continued synchronisation.

4. Newly formed state assemblies will have a shortened term to coincide with the next general elections.

5. The committee recommends the establishment of an implementation group to oversee and ensure the successful execution of these reforms.

6. It suggests the introduction of Article 324A to facilitate simultaneous elections for Panchayats and Municipalities and proposes an amendment to Article 325 to create a unified voter roll and photo ID card for all elections.

7. In the event of a hung house or no-confidence motion, new elections will be called, but the term of the newly elected house will only extend until the next general election.

8. The initial phase will involve conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The second phase will see municipal and panchayat elections held within 100 days of the state and Lok Sabha elections.

9. The committee advocates for new elections in the case of a hung house or no-confidence motion. The newly elected Lok Sabha will serve the remaining term of the previous one, while state assemblies will continue until the Lok Sabha’s term expires unless dissolved earlier.

10. The Election Commission is advised to proactively plan for the procurement of essential equipment, such as EVMs and VVPATs, to ensure efficient election management.

11. The committee proposes a unified voter roll and ID card system for all elections, which will require a constitutional amendment, subject to ratification by the States.