5. Critically discuss the major reforms introduced in the area of electoral funding in Union Budget 2017. Do you think that state funding of elections is a viable idea to check misuse of money power in politics?

Approach:

♤ Mention the new and amended provisions regarding electoral funding.

♤ Discuss their rationale and analyse whether they are sufficient to meet the goals of transparency, clean money, etc. in elections.

♤ Suggest some improvements in the proposed reforms.

♤ Evaluate state funding of elections on the parameters of viability and their ability to prevent misuse of money power.