So what is this fuss about RTI (Right to Information) Act and Political parties doing the rounds???? Why the hell is Political parties so scared of it that all have joined hands(strange in politics...but the saying goes " jarurat padne pe ghade ko bhi baap banana padta hai " :P). Mind you guys in these times of rampant corruption in the country RTI has indeed become a very important instrument to bring accountability. I would request all of you to file atleast one RTI- you can ask for any info from the govt. (obv within the ambit of the law :P).anyways lets get back to the context.
Recently Central Information Commission(CIC) has ruled that Political parties come under the ambit of section 2(h) of RTI Act as they are substantially financed by Union govt. Basically it means that Political parties have to share their financial details, who funded how much. It will bring to light the nexus between the industrial houses and the political parties and the corrupt exchanges. Obviously Political parties can't afford to let that happen.At present parties are required to declare donations excess of Rs 20,000. However, non - reporting and under reporting is common and Election Commission(EC) doesn't have the power to verify the declarations. So opening up of accounts of political parties to public scrutiny could be the first step towards accountability.
Now here is the twist. Political parties argue that RTI Act can be used by opposition parities to extract information related to internal deliberations within the party and also the criteria for selection of candidates for election.Although, it is a justified argument and indeed CIC clearly exceeds its jurisdiction but it is no reason for Political parities to not bring Transparency in Political Finance. So what is the solutions??????
It is time for India to bring a law at par with other progressive countries. The law should empower Election Commission (similar to Federal Election Commission of USA) to supervise all financial transactions by political parities. It will scrutinize all the reports submitted to it that will provide more clarity on the political funds - its sources & utilization. EC will also disclose the same to media & public.This way political parties will no longer be required to come under the ambit of RTI but at the same time we can have transparency & accountability in Political System.
So instead of finding a solution to the issue, Union Cabinet is seeking to amend the Act to nullify the order without even waiting for legally challenging it. It is not the right way to go about it.When the Model code for election could be evolved by consensus so successfully then WHY not Model Code for Political Finanace?????? Its time Political Parties show some maturity!!!(although i know it is too much to ask for :D)
Friends your inputs and comments are always welcome. :-)
Recently Central Information Commission(CIC) has ruled that Political parties come under the ambit of section 2(h) of RTI Act as they are substantially financed by Union govt. Basically it means that Political parties have to share their financial details, who funded how much. It will bring to light the nexus between the industrial houses and the political parties and the corrupt exchanges. Obviously Political parties can't afford to let that happen.At present parties are required to declare donations excess of Rs 20,000. However, non - reporting and under reporting is common and Election Commission(EC) doesn't have the power to verify the declarations. So opening up of accounts of political parties to public scrutiny could be the first step towards accountability.
Now here is the twist. Political parties argue that RTI Act can be used by opposition parities to extract information related to internal deliberations within the party and also the criteria for selection of candidates for election.Although, it is a justified argument and indeed CIC clearly exceeds its jurisdiction but it is no reason for Political parities to not bring Transparency in Political Finance. So what is the solutions??????
It is time for India to bring a law at par with other progressive countries. The law should empower Election Commission (similar to Federal Election Commission of USA) to supervise all financial transactions by political parities. It will scrutinize all the reports submitted to it that will provide more clarity on the political funds - its sources & utilization. EC will also disclose the same to media & public.This way political parties will no longer be required to come under the ambit of RTI but at the same time we can have transparency & accountability in Political System.
So instead of finding a solution to the issue, Union Cabinet is seeking to amend the Act to nullify the order without even waiting for legally challenging it. It is not the right way to go about it.When the Model code for election could be evolved by consensus so successfully then WHY not Model Code for Political Finanace?????? Its time Political Parties show some maturity!!!(although i know it is too much to ask for :D)
Friends your inputs and comments are always welcome. :-)
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