Poll panel constitutes committee to examine issues concerning expenditure limits

The Election Commission has constituted a committee to examine the expenditure limit of candidates in view of the increase in the number of electorate, rise in cost inflation index and other factors.

Considering the COVID-19 factor, the Law and Justice Ministry had on Monday notified an amendment in Rule 90 of Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 enhancing the existing expenditure limit by 10 per cent which will be applicable with immediate effect in Bihar Assembly elections and the by-polls.

The expenditure limit for a candidate was last revised in 2014

In last six years, the limit was not increased despite rise in the number of electorate from 834 million in 2014 to 910 million in 2019 and 921 million now.

The committee has been tasked with assessing the change in the number of electorate across states and UT and its bearing on expenditure, the change in Cost Inflation Index and its bearing on the pattern of expenditure incurred by the candidates, to seek views of political parties and other stakeholders.

It will submit its report within 120 days of its constitution.