Topic– Part of static series under the heading – “Electoral reforms since independence”
2)State Funding of Election was recommended by Indrajit Gupta Committee. Discuss whether SFoE will help resolve corruption in elections?(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to discuss the recommendation of Indrajit Gupta Committee regarding SFoE , analyze its pros and cons and give our view on the prudence of this suggestion.
Directive word
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Mention that SFoE has often been suggested to check corruption in elections, but there are several layers to the problem.
Body
- Discuss the recommendation of the committee along with the checks suggested by the committee.
- Examine the advantages as envisaged by the committee as well as the support provided by LCI – 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 stand on partial funding with the rider that Appropriate regulatory framework be put in place with regard to political parties
- Examine the problem with SFoE such as those highlighted by EC, 2nd ARC, lack of focus accorded by 2015 LCI Report (supported the current system of indirect in kind subsidies). Highlight the problems highlighted by these committees in implementation of SFoE
Conclusion – give your view on desirability of SFoE to check corruption in Indian elections.
