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CASE STUDY: Political funding                                                                                                       [NCERT]

Challenge: On an average, every candidate who contested the last Look Sabha elections owned a property of more than Rs. One crore. There is a fear that only wealthy people or those with their support can afford to fight elections. Most of the political parties are dependent on money given by big business houses. The worry is that the role of money in politics will reduce whatever little voice the poor have in our democracy.

Reform Proposals:

- The financial accounts of every political party should be made public. These accounts should be examined by government auditors.

- There should be state funding of elections. Parties should be given some money by the government to meet their election expenditure,

- Citizens should be encouraged to give more donations to parties and to political workers. Such donations should be exempt from income tax.

 

Answer:

Other Proposals:

- Role of money should be curbed down.

- The steps of auditing of accounts of political parties and state funding must be appreciated. These bring transparency in the finances of the political parties.

- There should be a ceiling on party spending on elections.