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EC not for state funding of polls: Thakur tells LS
Why in news?
- The Election Commission has informed the Government that it is not in favour of state funding of elections. The commission is of the view that it would not be able to prohibit or check candidates’ expenditure over and above the state’s provision.
More in news
- Indrajit Gupta Committee in 1998 on State Funding of Elections 1998:
(1) Level Playing Field: Panel had suggested that state funding would ensure a level playing field for poorer political parties and argued that such a move would be in public interest.
(2) Political Parties should compulsory submit their annual accounts to the income tax department.
(3) Complete account of the election expenditure should be filed by the parties to EC
(4) Limitations: The committee had recommended some limitations, saying that state funds should only be given to recognised national and State parties and that funding should be given in kind, including free facilities provided to these parties and their candidates.
(5) The panel admitted that only partial funding may be possible.
Sources
The Hindu