Budget proposals on political funding reform inconsequential: ADR

ADR, the noted citizen watchdog, explains why the reform is much ado about nothing new

Election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has said the measures announced in the Union Budget on political funding would be “inconsequential” in cleansing of hidden wealth.

In a detailed critique, ADR said the government showed “lack of political will” in proposing real reforms. It said the proposed measures lacked teeth and political funding would continue to remain “opaque”. It said the measures fell way short of Election Commission (EC) and Law Commission recommendations.

“The Budget fails to address the issue of transparency, disclosure and penalties of political parties” and how these measures would be implemented.

The Budget has proposed