A CII delegation, comprising its president R Dinesh, his successor Sanjiv Puri and director general Chandrajit Banerjee, during the presentation told President Kovind that though synchronised elections to local bodies, state and parliament may be a challenge, but it would lead to saving of cost and benefit to the economy.
It impressed upon the panel that a nation always in election mode affects infrastructure and capital expenditure related projects due to delays in project implementation for lack of approvals and clearances during the model code of conduct. Elections also put constraints on govt staff capacity during this period.
It further said that the private sector is reluctant to invest months before and after the elections. “So is the case for public investment which affects economic activity, overall development and jobs and livelihoods,” it added. Simultaneous elections will reduce the delays and we believe the costs of delay by about half of what it is currently, CII said.