NEW DELHI: The Election Commission’s recommendation to the government to put a ban on anonymous donations above Rs. 2,000 has been welcomed by Minister of State for Law and Justice P.P.Choudhary.
Choudhary told ANI, “The government has to take the decision keeping in view the positive constitution... The government will take into consideration these suggestions because these are in the path of creating a good election in our country for corruption less election and transparent election,”
Choudhary further said the government will consider these suggestions by may be amending the Constitution or amending the said provision in the Representation of People’s Act.
“But I am of the view that there is nothing wrong if the anonymous amount is beyond Rs.2, 000, but it is required to be declared. It should be declared because it is one of the good election reforms, and secondly, about tax exemption, because a large number of political parties are registered and some of the political parties are not contesting any elections but are claiming tax exemption under the Income Tax Act Section 13.” he added.
The Election Commission (EC) has proposed that the limit for accepting anonymous donations be slashed from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 for all parties. It also wants parties to maintain accounts for all donations, get their accounts audited and submit the audited books to it annually.
"Anonymous contributions above or equal to the amount of Rs 2,000 should be prohibited," it said.
The proposal, if accepted by the government, will reduce the size of the window available to political parties to accept donations without having to reveal the donor and improve transparency in political funding.
The commission has also proposed that exemption of income tax should only be extended to political parties that contest elections and win seats in the Lok Sabha or in assembly polls.