16/04/2019 - Polity

KEY POINTS 

State Funding of Elections means Government provides funds to the candidates for contesting elections and meeting other election-related expenses.

Paves for free, fair elections

State funding of elections has been suggested in the past in response to the high cost of elections and as a measure against corruption in the electoral process.

·        Increase transparency and accountability

·        Reduce black money in election-related expenses and corruption

·        Avoid forming a business-political nexus with a vested interests.

·        Level playing ground for all candidates especially those not belonging to renowned parties and independent candidates.

Challenges

·        The proliferation of political parties to make easy money without the genuine aim to win elections and public welfare.

·        Might reduce already low spending on social sector like health, education and R&D.

·        The form of upport whether in cash or through subsidies.

Recommendations

·        1999 Law Commission of India report concluded that total state funding of elections is “desirable” so long as political parties are prohibited from taking funds from other sources.

·        The Commission concurred with the Indrajit Gupta Committee that only partial state funding was possible given the economic conditions of the country at that time.

·        Additionally, it strongly recommended that the appropriate regulatory framework be put in place with regard to political parties (provisions ensuring internal  democracy,  internal structures and maintenance of accounts, their auditing and submission to Election Commission) before state funding of elections is attempted. 

Kindly review

Sir evaluate my copy