Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the concept of civil service accountability in India. Mention the dual responsibility of civil servants to both the political executive (government) and the public. 2. Analysis of Dual Accountability Accountability to the Political Executive: Explain the hierarchical structure ...
Model Answer Challenges in Election Funding in India Election funding in India is governed by various laws like the Representatives of People Act (1951) and the Income Tax Act (1961), but it faces several issues: Lack of Transparency: Political parties are not required to disclose the sources of theRead more
Model Answer
Challenges in Election Funding in India
Election funding in India is governed by various laws like the Representatives of People Act (1951) and the Income Tax Act (1961), but it faces several issues:
- Lack of Transparency: Political parties are not required to disclose the sources of their funds. Despite a ruling from the Central Information Commission (CIC) in 2013, parties continue to evade transparency laws by claiming autonomy (Source: ADR Report).
- Unregulated Party Expenditure: While there are limits on candidate expenditures, political parties themselves face no such cap, leading to disproportionate spending and influence during elections.
- Electoral Bonds: Electoral bonds allow anonymous donations, strengthening the connection between corporate entities and political parties, raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
- Uneven Playing Field: Parties with access to more financial resources can dominate elections, often using money and muscle power, undermining fairness in elections.
Measures to Address Election Funding Challenges
- Transparent Funding: Implementing strict rules to cap anonymous donations and ensuring full disclosure of donors’ details to be publicly available (Source: ADR Report).
- RTI Compliance for Political Parties: The Central Information Commission’s 2013 ruling should be enforced, making political parties public authorities under the RTI Act for better accountability.
- State Funding of Elections: The 1999 Law Commission recommended state funding for elections to reduce reliance on private donations, thus reducing corruption and undue influence.
- Electoral Reforms: Introducing caps on corporate donations, regulating political party operations, and ensuring the auditing of party accounts by independent auditors are crucial steps.
- Strengthening Election Commission’s Role: The Election Commission should have more powers to penalize or de-recognize non-compliant political parties, ensuring fairer practices.
By addressing these issues, election funding can be made more transparent and equitable.
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Model Answer Dual Accountability of Civil Servants in India In India, civil servants are accountable to both the political executive and the public. The dual nature of their accountability ensures a balance between following political direction and serving citizens' interests. Accountability to theRead more
Model Answer
Dual Accountability of Civil Servants in India
In India, civil servants are accountable to both the political executive and the public. The dual nature of their accountability ensures a balance between following political direction and serving citizens’ interests.
Accountability to the Political Executive:
Accountability to the Public:
Conclusion
Civil servants in India are subject to both political and public accountability, with mechanisms such as RTI, social audits, and vigilance bodies ensuring they meet their responsibilities. This dual accountability is vital for effective governance and maintaining public trust.
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