(a) whether any measures are being taken by the Election Commission of India to monitor all
corporate donations to various political parlies in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether any proposal is being considered by the Election Commission of India or by the
Government making it mandatory for all political parties to disclose the sources of their
corporate fundings;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF LAW AND JUSTICE (Dr. ASHWANI KUMAR)
(a)& (b) : Yes Madam. Sub-section (1) of section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 provides that the
political parties are required to prepare a report of all the contributions received by them exceeding Rs. 20,000/- in a
financial year and required to submit the said report to the Election Commission.
(c) : Does not arise.
(d) & (e): Recently, the Election Commission of India forwarded a proposal to the Government
of India to amend Form 24A, which relates to the furnishing of annual returns of income by
political parties under section 139 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 to the Election Commission. The
proposal inter alia includes provision for declaration by political parties about receipt of funds
from foreign sources, Government bodies, etc., for annexing certificate from trusts regarding
making contributions, mentioning total amount of contribution received by political parties
during the year and making it compulsory for all political parties to file contribution reports
including `Nil` reports by political parties even if there is `nil` contributions in excess of Rs.
20,000/- from a company or person. The matter is being examined.
(f) : Does not arise.