Question Q.11GS2GS2
Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?
Main Body
Representation of People Act, 1951 provides for procedure of registration under Section 29A of RPA, 1951 Procedure for registration of political parties on ECI: ① Unique name assignment to political party ② Based on historical background: - It has presence in more than 3 states with 18 seats then national party - It has won more than 6 state legislative seatsregional party - It a new registered party, member of nominees - proposer & seconder ③ Symbol allocation by ECI to political party ④ Disbursement of funds – minimum needed by political party
⑤ Registration also requires: - Minimum number of party members - Presence of party check - Leadership registration Registered Unrecognised Political Parties: - There are about 1,012 of total parties which are Unrecognised political parties (ADR Report) - Unrecognised parties are those who have NOTgained any loksabha, rajya sabha or big Assembly seat, Not achieved minimum number of votes, Not yet achieved symbols unique, Not have significant presence in region or nation, Not given status of regional/national party, Not gained enough party supporters or members Issues with RUPPs: ① Shell parties: used to divert black money and chamfered funds ② Non disclosure of funding by unrecognised parties, 49% of their donot disclose funds ③ Non-transparent as these are corruption hubs ④ Lack of opportunity to unrecognised parties by vulnerable sectionsas low fund, low skills, low campaign time ⑤ RUPP not given equal campaign time by ECI due to lack of 1% voting data – min requirement
Issues with RUPP continued: ① Shell parties: used to divert black money and championed funds ② Non disclosure of funding by unrecognised parties49% of them donot disclose funds ③ Non-transparent as these are corruption hubs ④ Lack of opportunity to unrecognised parties by vulnerable sectionsas low fund, low skills, low campaign time ⑤ RUPP not given equal campaign time by ECI due to lack of 1% voting data – min requirement ECINO POWER TO DEREGISTER PARTIES Way Forward: ① Riesta GowamiECI power to deregister political parties ② Sundeep Gupta committeeState Funding of elections equal opportunity to RUPP ③ Public disclosure of funding (2013) by EWPP ④ Monitoring all parties
374 words1 paragraphs
Conclusion
The ECI lacks power to deregister political parties, requiring judicial and legislative reforms to address the challenges posed by shell parties and RUPPs.
23 words
Topper
KRUPA A JAIN
AIR 1902025Unknown
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act
Representation of Peoples Act
Political party registration procedures
Writing Stats
397
Total words
1
Paragraphs
descriptive
Tone