(a) whether the influence of money power in parliamentary and
assembly polls is on the rise in the country;
(b) if so, whether the Election Commission has also suggested
some measures to control the same;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the action taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (SHRI SALMAN KHURSHID)
(a) to (d) : The Election Commission is seriously concerned about the growing
influence of `Money Power` in Parliamentary and Assembly Elections. The
Commission held a meeting on 4th October 2010, with all recognized National
Political Parties to discuss issues related to use of Money Power etc.
in elections.
(b) The Commission has taken several measures including opening of separate
Division in the Commission to oversee election expenditure, appointment of
Expenditure Observers and Assistant Expenditure Observers, Flying Squads
and Static Surveillance Teams to keep vigil over movement of cash, liquor
and other items during elections, Media Certifying and Monitoring Committee
to watch media advertisements and paid news, Maintenance of Shadow Observation
Register of each candidate, Video Surveillance Team to oversee major items of
expenditure, opening of separate bank account by the candidate for the
purpose of election expenses and involving of Income Tax Department to
keep vigil over movement of cash. Considering the impact of the monitoring
mechanism of Election Expenditure in the recently concluded Assembly
elections, the Election Commission has decided to enforce the similar
measures in all General Elections.
On the issue of money power in elections, the Election Commission’s
suggestions on electoral reforms include funding of elections. This
along with other comprehensive electoral reforms proposals is being
considered by a Core Committee under the Chairmanship of an Additional
Solicitor General. The Committee under the aegis of Legislative Department
and in co-sponsorship of the Election Commission of India conducted seven
regional consultations at Bhopal, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chandigarh,
Bengaluru and Guwahati, wherein the stakeholders have been consulted, who
inter-alia included leaders and workers of the political parties, legislators,
legal luminaries, representatives of NGOs, eminent persons, civil servants
(serving and retired), students etc. and views have been gathered. An all
party meeting is also under consideration. On the basis of the inputs
received or as may be received in all these consultations, legislative
process as may be considered necessary will be initiated by the Government
in due course.
A Group of Ministers constituted by the Central Government is considering
measures that can be taken by the Government to tackle corruption which
inter alia include the introduction of state funding of elections. The
Group of Ministers has discussed certain formulations that could be adopted
to address this issue but no final decision has yet been taken.