State funding of elections being examined: President
By IANSMonday, February 21, 2011
NEW DELHI - President Pratibha Patil Monday said the government has constituted a committee to fast-track the process of electoral reforms and a Group of Ministers (GoM) was considering issues related to state funding of elections.
“I am sure that all parties across the political spectrum support the need of bringing about such reforms,” Patil said addressing both houses jointly at the start of the budget session.
She said the GoM, which will look into the issue of state funding of elections, is expected to give its report soon. The GoM on corruption, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, is considering the issues related to the state funding of polls.
She said the subject of electoral reforms has been debated over the years.
“I am happy to share with the Honourable Members that my government has constituted a committee on electoral reforms to fast track the process. The committee has held regional conferences with the concerned stakeholders.
“This will culminate in a national conference in April this year. It is expected that this process of consultation would lead to a consensus on an acceptable agenda of reforms, the president said.
