COMMITTEE ON ELECTION EXPENDITURE LIMITS

Oct. 22, 2020

Election Commission of India (ECI) has constituted a committee comprising Harish Kumar, Ex. IRS and DG (Investigation) and Umesh Sinha, Secretary General and DG (Expenditure) to examine the issues concerning expenditure limit for a candidate.

About:

The Ministry of Law & Justice on 19.10.2020 has notified an amendment in Rule 90 of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 enhancing the existing expenditure limit by 10%. This increase of 10% will be applicable with immediate effect in ongoing elections.
Expenditure limit for a candidate was last revised in 2014 vide notification dated 28.02.2014, while in respect of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana it was revised vide notification dated 10.10.2018.
Reason for review:
- In last 6 years the limit was not increased despite increase in electorate from 834 million to 910 million in 2019 to 921 million now.
- Further, Cost Inflation Index during this period has increased from 220 to 280 in 2019 to 301 now.
The Committee will submit its report within 120 days of its constitution.