New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, concluding his go to to Jammu and Kashmir, reassured the general public of the ballot physique’s dedication to transparency concerning electoral bonds. He affirmed that particulars of electoral bonds bought since April 12, 2019, can be shared “in time,” emphasizing the fee’s perception in full transparency.
Kumar additionally informed the reporters that the ballot physique was prepared to carry meeting in addition to Lok Sabha elections within the Union territory, reported information company PTI.
Kumar’s announcement adopted the submission of knowledge by the State Financial institution of India (SBI), totaling electoral bonds price Rs 16,518 crore issued in 30 tranches because the scheme’s inception in 2018. The Supreme Courtroom had directed the SBI to supply particulars of bonds bought since April 12, 2019, to the EC.
“The SBI was imagined to submit the information by March 12. They’ve given us the main points in time. I’ll return and take a look at the information (and) would positively disclose it in time,” Kumar mentioned, as per the PTI report.
He mentioned the fee believed solely “in disclosure, disclosure and disclosure” to make sure excessive requirements of transparency.
Following the Supreme Courtroom’s order, the SBI submitted particulars of entities buying electoral bonds and political events redeeming them. The SBI is the authorised monetary establishment to challenge electoral bonds.
As per the court docket’s directive, the EC is remitted to publish these particulars on its official web site by March 15.
The apex court docket had declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional on February 15, ordering the disclosure of donors, donation quantities, and recipients. Regardless of SBI’s plea for a June 30 deadline for disclosure, the court docket rejected it and mandated submission to the EC by March 9.
As we speak, the SBI submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Courtroom, revealing that 22,217 electoral bonds have been bought between April 1, 2019, and February 15, 2024, with 22,030 redeemed by political events. The affidavit detailed the acquisition dates, purchaser names, and bond denominations.
The affidavit mentioned between April 1, 2019 and April 11, 2019, a complete of three,346 electoral bonds have been bought and 1,609 redeemed. It additional mentioned from April 12, 2019 to February 15 this yr, a complete of 18,871 electoral bonds have been bought and 20,421 have been redeemed, the PTI report added.
Kumar, throughout his go to to evaluation election preparations, assured readiness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the 2024 polls.
He urged voter participation and introduced measures to fight faux information by way of a social media cell and guarantee safety for candidates. “We’ll guarantee free and honest elections throughout the nation. We request voters throughout the nation, together with Jammu and Kashmir, to enthusiastically participate within the pageant of democracy,” he mentioned, reported PTI.
Moreover, provisions like voting-at-home for people above 85 and people with disabilities will probably be applied in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.