COVID-19 India update | Election Commission planning to increase poll spending
The Election Commission of India is considering a proposal to increase election expenditure for the time being based on a feedback received from political parties
September 25, 2020 / 10:35 PM IST
The Election Commission of India (ECI) may increase poll spending in view of the extra expenses being incurred due to the coronavirus pandemic. The poll body is currently considering a proposal to increase election expenditure, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking about increasing the election expenditure, ECI clarified that: “There is something under consideration by the Ministry of Law only due to the COVID-19 situation and not for all time.”
Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said: “The Commission is thinking of appointing a very senior officer to further streamline the expenditure process.” He added that an announcement on the plans to increase election expenditure will be announced soon, along with detailed terms of reference.
ECI is considering the proposal based on a feedback received from political parties, requesting the cap on election expenditure be increased in view of the COVID-19 situation, which mandates several health protocols be observed.
The request had come as
Bihar Assembly elections are slated to be held amid the pandemic in three phases, starting October 28.
The Election Commission of India caps election campaign spending per candidate at Rs 28 lakh for the Assembly polls. The amount is inclusive of expenses on rallies, advertisements, public meetings, posters, banners, vehicles, etc.