The Evolution of Political Financing through Electoral
Bonds INTRODUCTION Welcome to our presentation on Electoral Bonds. Electoral bonds are a relatively new concept in the realm of political financing in India. Today, we'll delve into what electoral bonds are, how they function, their pros and cons, and their impact on Indian democracy. What are Electoral Bonds? Electoral bonds are financial instruments for making donations to political parties. Introduced in 2017 by the Government of India, electoral bonds aim to bring transparency and accountability to political funding. These bonds are essentially bearer instruments like promissory notes and are available in specified denominations. They can be purchased from specified branches of the State Bank of India (SBI) and can be redeemed by eligible political parties. : How do Electoral Bonds Work? Individuals and companies can purchase electoral bonds from designated SBI branches. The buyer remains anonymous, and the identity is known only to the bank. The bonds can then be donated to registered political parties within the prescribed time frame. Political parties can encash these bonds in their designated bank accounts Process of Electoral Bonds Increased transparency: Donors' identities are shielded, but the transactions are still recorded, adding a layer of transparency. Reduction in cash donations: Electoral bonds aim to curb the use of black money in politics by promoting digital transactions. Encouragement of corporate donations: Companies can now contribute to political parties without fear of repercussions or favoritism. Cons of Electoral Bonds Lack of transparency: While the transactions are recorded, the anonymity of donors raises concerns about transparency and accountability. Potential for misuse: Critics argue that electoral bonds could be used to funnel black money into political parties, as the identity of donors remains confidential. Exclusion of small donors: Electoral bonds primarily cater to larger donors and corporations, potentially sidelining smaller contributors Impact on Indian Democracy Electoral bonds have sparked debates on the integrity of political funding in India. While proponents argue that they enhance transparency and formalize political donations, critics raise concerns about their potential misuse and lack of accountability. The long-term impact of electoral bonds on Indian democracy remains to be seen, as the system continues to evolve and adapt. Conclusion Electoral bonds represent a significant shift in the landscape of political financing in India. While they aim to bring transparency and accountability, concerns regarding anonymity and potential misuse persist. The debate surrounding electoral bonds underscores the complexities inherent in balancing transparency with the protection of donor privacy and the integrity of democratic processes.