ElectionCommission of India today announced an increase in expenditure limit 10 percentfor candidates contesting Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. According to theletter issued today, this decision will also be applicable in ongoing andensuing elections.
Givinginformation in this regard, Punjab State Chief Electoral Officer Dr. S KarunaRaju said that two member committee has also been constituted by thecommission. He said that now onwards candidates contesting Lok Sabha electionsin Punjab would be able to spend Rs 77 lakh instead of Rs 70 lakh, while candidatescontesting Assembly elections will be able to spend Rs 30.80 lakh instead of Rs28 lakh.
Dr.Raju further informed that a committee comprises former IRS officer & DGInvestigation Mr. Harish Kumar and Secretary General & DG Expenditure Mr. UmeshSinha, has been constituted to estimate the number of voters in each state andthe expenditure incurred in that proportion. In addition the committee willalso evaluate the impact of rising inflation over the years on electionexpenses. It will also seek objections from political parties and the generalpublic.
TheChief Electoral Officer said that this committee will also analyze otherpossible related issues and submit its report within 120 days from itsformation besides aforementioned issues.