To balance government’s weak electoral reform proposal and hardline approach of the Election Commission, a group of former bureaucrats and academicians has presented a “workable” proposal to curb criminalisation and money power in politics.

The UPA government has initiated a nation-wide consultation to reform electoral process by bringing in checks to keep politicians — involved in serious crimes — from contesting elections.

The process is, however, stuck with no consensus within the government and among political parties.

The Public Interest Found-ation headed by former cabinet secretary Naresh Chandra, has asked the government to set up fast track courts for time-bound disposal of cases concerning elected representatives.

They feel, a new sub-section under the Representation of People’s Act should be inserted so that it acts as a deterrent to those with cases of criminal offence pending against them from contesting elections in order to avoid speedy trial.