EC to discuss state funding of polls

EC has invited the views from six national recognised and 44 state recognised parties.

The Election Commission (EC) has called a meeting of recognised national and state political parties on February 15 to elicit their views on the proposal of the Government over state funding of elections.

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The Commission has asked the political parties to send their views on the recommendations of the Union Cabinet in this regard by January 31, EC sources said.

It has invited the views from six national recognised and 44 state recognised parties.

The national parties have been asked to nominate two representatives while state recognised parties have been told to nominate one for the meeting, the sources said.

The Union Cabinet, at a meeting on December 22, decided to refer the proposal of state funding of elections to the EC with a view to building consensus on the issue.

The Government has sought the EC's views on extending facilities like rent-free accommodation to each recognised political party, free telephone calls during polls, printing papers, and petrol and diesel in certain quantities to each candidate of recognised political parties.