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August | 28 & 29, 2025

Two National Seminar on “Exploring the Future of Indian Democracy: One Nation, One Election and Its Implications for Governance and Federalism toward a Vibrant Bharat”

Organised by : Department of Social Work, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Arasamplayam. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Arasampalayam, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

About

The National Seminar on “Exploring the Future of Indian Democracy: One Nation, One Election and Its Implications for Governance and Federalism toward a Vibrant Bharat” brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to critically engage with the evolving debate on the feasibility and implications of simultaneous elections in India. The concept of One Nation, One Election (ONOE) envisions synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections to reduce electoral costs, improve governance, and minimize policy paralysis. While international examples like South Africa and Sweden offer optimistic models, India’s unique federal and socio-political landscape raises important constitutional, administrative, and democratic concerns. This seminar provides a platform for rigorous interdisciplinary dialogue, examining ONOE’s potential impact on federalism, political diversity, economic efficiency, civic participation, and electoral integrity. By fostering academic and policy discourse, the seminar aims to contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of India’s democratic processes in a way that is inclusive, participatory, and constitutionally sound.

Brochure

Objectives of the Seminar

  1. To assess the governance and economic advantages of ONOE in relation to India’s developmental objectives.
  2. To examine the impact of ONOE on federalism, regional autonomy, and political diversity.
  3. To analyse the voter behaviour in Concurrent Elections and Its Implications for Political Engagement.
  4. To assess the legal, constitutional, and practical impediments to the implementation of ONOE.
  5. To propose a strategic plan for the Sustainable Implementation of ONOE in Accordance with India’s Democratic and Developmental Aspirations.

Major Themes and Sub Themes

Track 1: Constitutional, Legal, and Structural Frameworks

Focus: Examining the feasibility, legality, and institutional readiness for ONOE.

Sub-themes:

  1. Constitutional Amendments and Legal Pathways for Implementing ONOE
  2. Harmonising Terms of Parliament and State Assemblies
  3. Institutional Mechanisms and the Role of the Election Commission of India
  4. Logistical Challenges in Conducting Simultaneous Elections
  5. Judicial Perspectives and Precedents Related to Electoral Reforms

Track 2: Federalism, Political Plurality, and Governance

Focus: Evaluating how ONOE interfaces with India’s federal character and governance systems.

Sub-themes:

  1. Reconciling Centralisation with State Autonomy
  2. Role and Relevance of Regional Parties in a Unified Electoral Cycle
  3. Impact on Coalition Politics and Political Negotiation Mechanisms
  4. Panchayati Raj and Democratic Federalism in the Context of ONOE
  5. Governance and Administrative Reforms under a Simultaneous Electoral Regime

Track 3: Economic and Developmental Impacts

Focus: Exploring how synchronized elections could affect development and resource utilization.

Sub-themes:

  1. Cost-Benefit Analysis of ONOE Implementation in a Federal Democracy
  2. Fiscal Implications for Political Campaigning and Public Expenditure
  3. Economic Disruptions Due to Frequent Electoral Code of Conduct
  4. Development Planning Continuity and Electoral Stability
  5. Potential Impact on Business, Investment Climate, and Market Sentiment

Track 4: Voter Behaviour, Democratic Participation, and Civic Engagement

Focus: Understanding how ONOE could reshape citizen engagement and democratic behavior.

Sub-themes:

  1. Voter Turnout Trends in Unified vs. Staggered Elections
  2. Impact on Voter Awareness and Electoral Fatigue
  3. Digital Campaigning and Civic Literacy in the Era of Simultaneity
  4. Role of Civil Society and NGOs in Electoral Education
  5. Media Representation and Public Discourse on ONOE

Track 5: Social Work, Policy Innovation, and Democratic Deepening

Focus: Positioning social work perspectives in strengthening democracy through local governance and participation.

Sub-themes:

  1. Strengthening Local Governance and Inclusive Democracy through Policy Innovation
  2. Social Work Approaches to Democratic Participation and Citizen Empowerment
  3. Public Sector Performance and Decentralized Governance
  4. Leadership, Capacity Building, and Institutional Development in Indian Democracy
  5. Role of Social Workers in Fostering Participatory Governance under ONOE

Track 6: Comparative and International Perspectives

Focus: Drawing from global experiences and scholarly insights into election synchronization.

Sub-themes:

  1. Case Studies from Countries with Synchronized National and Subnational Elections
  2. Comparative Electoral Systems and Lessons for India
  3. Global Trends in Electoral Modernization and Governance Reform
  4. Regional Cooperation and Election Management in Federal Democracies
  5. International Standards for Democratic Processes and India’s Adaptation

sponsership

ICSSR, New Delhi

IMPORTANT DATES

June 30, 2025
Abstract Last Date

July 05, 2025
Acceptance of Abstract

July 20, 2025​
Full Paper Submission Last Date

August 28 – 29, 2025
Date of the Seminar

About Amrita

Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, a multi-campus, multi-disciplinary university established by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), is one of India’s leading private institutions. It is accredited with an ‘A++’ grade by NAAC and consistently ranks among the top universities in India, holding the 7th position in the NIRF 2024 rankings. Amrita offers over 300 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across diverse fields, including Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences, and more. With nine campuses spread across India, Amrita is known for its commitment to academic excellence, humanitarian values, and global collaborations, making it a hub for transformative education and impactful research.

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About SSBS

The School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (SSBS) at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is a premier institution dedicated to addressing societal challenges through education and research. Spread across three campuses in Amritapuri, Coimbatore, and Faridabad, SSBS offers programs like BSW (Hons), MSW, M.Sc. in Cognitive Science, and Ph.D. in Social Sciences. It is home to India’s only UNESCO Chair in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. SSBS integrates rigorous academics with compassionate research, focusing on areas like social justice, community development, and mental health. Its faculty are engaged in impactful projects that foster sustainable development and positive social change.

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how to reach

By Bus: The nearest major bus terminals are at Ukkadam (Coimbatore) (about 19 kms) and Pollachi (about 26 kms) and There are regular bus services from Ukkadam and Pollachi. Coimbatore Marine College, in the Pollachi Main Road is a major landmark close to Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Arasamplayam. Myleripalayamprivu is situated between Marine College (20 kms from Ukkadam Bus stand and 23 kms from Pollachi). Follow the road towards to Arasamplayam to Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (3 kms from main road).

By Train: Coimbatore is a major railway junction on the Southern Railwaysconnected India’s major cities. The distance to Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences is 20kms.

By Air: The closest airport is Coimbatore, located about 31 kilometers from the campus. Most airlines operate flights to Coimbatore from all major cities in India.

Amrita School of Social and Behavioural Sciences

J. P. Nagar, Arasampalayam,
Myleripalayam (via.),
Coimbatore – 642 109,

Tamil Nadu, India.

Phone : 0422 2685000

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