Question Q.3GS2GS2

"Electoral bonds are a double-edged sword, providing anonymity to donors while raising concerns about transparency in political funding." To what extent have electoral bonds further legitimized opacity in electoral funding? (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

Main Body

Electoral Bonds are a type of promissory note which can be issued by public / corporates for raising funds for political parties.

Increased Opacity in Funding

1Tol. st funding to National parties from Unknown sources with 98% from electoral bonds (Association for Democratic Reforms).

3Parties don't need to disclose donor if amount < Rs 2000 ⇒ Public cannot know quid-pro-quo.

398% electoral bonds > Rs 1cr. ⇒

Influence of few corporates & HNIs.

4Bonds deposited in SBI Delhi Branch ⇒ Govt. controlled ⇒ under disadvantage to ruling party.

5If Subsidies of foreign companies constitute ⇒ Global influence in elections.

However, it has positives

1KYC norms with banks ⇒ donor identity can be established if needed.

2Anonymous donation decreased Rs 2,0,000 to Rs 9,000.

What is Needed

1Election Commission should have the donation details ⇒ make it public.

2Partial State Funding (Indrajit Committee) - Supreme Court have upheld the legality of Electoral Bonds in 2022

Article 15 of constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex thus establishing gender equality. UCC seeks to further gender equality by uniformizing personal laws.

Challenges in reconciling UCC with Gender Equality:

1Diverse personal laws- Muslim law allows marriage at puberty age (≤16 years) v/s 18 years under Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

2Will not change mindset: Eg:- Sakinawag women only be existed even with Right to worship to women.

3UCC won't provide educational, employment opportunities for women which is needed to achieve gender equality.

4Acceptance by public might be slow as it would be external enforcements v/s internal empowerment.

5Gender equality needs other focus areas- Sexual, Reproductive empowerment, transgender stigma alleviation, etc.

However, UCC will collect start the transformation to gender equality. It can be implemented along with other measures like Skilling, social empowerment, etc. to achieve true gender equality.

309 words19 paragraphs

Conclusion

However, UCC will collect start the transformation to gender equality. It can be implemented along with other measures like Skilling, social empowerment, etc. to achieve true gender equality.

28 words

Uses empirical data (98% from electoral bonds)
References Association for Democratic Reforms
Structured approach with numbered points
Presents counterarguments (positives)
Discusses practical safeguards (KYC)
Mentions legal precedent (Supreme Court 2022)
Suggests reforms (State Funding, transparency)
Directly engages with Article 15
Cites specific legal reference (Child Marriage Act 2006)
Identifies key challenge: age differences in personal laws
Discusses mindset barriers
Holistic approach to gender equality
Recognizes multiple dimensions (sexual, reproductive, transgender)
Suggests integrated approach with multiple measures
Balanced conclusion acknowledging UCC's role

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Page 11

Topper

Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde

AIR 812024

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act

Electoral Bonds and Political Funding

Opacity in Electoral Funding

Writing Stats

337

Total words

Paragraphs

Analytical

Tone