While the country is observing a decade of information revolution under right to information act (RTI), the political parties continue to hide behind certain rules when it comes to disclosing party funds.

According Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 57 percent of the total income of five national parties came from the sale of coupons during the financial year 2013-14. The analysis has been made using information five national parties – BSP, CPI, CPM, NCP and INC – submitted to the election commission of India.

The due date for submission of annual audited accounts for the parties was 30th Nov,’14. Out of the six national Parties, BSP, CPI, CPM and NCP have submitted their audited report while Congress (INC) submitted its report under protest stating that unless necessary amendments were made in the RP Act, 1951, the ECI did not have the power to demand such reports from the parties.

BJP had requested for 4 weeks’ time last month but is yet to file the required reports.

From the combined total income of Rs 844.71 crore declared by the five national parties, INC has shown the highest income of Rs 598.06 crore during FY 2013-14. The next highest income was shown by CPM – Rs 121.87 crore. This was followed by BSP with an income of Rs 66.91 crore, NCP with Rs 55.42 crore and CPI with Rs 2.43 crore.

As per the analysis, out of their declared income, INC collected Rs 477.316 crore through the sale of coupons while NCP declared a collection of Rs 8.32 crore from the same means. Thus, a total of Rs 485.64 crore was collected by the two parties contributing to 57.49 percent of the total income of the five national parties.

Donations or voluntary contributions formed 22 percent, i.e. Rs 188.22 crore, of the total income of the five national parties. The report also shows that 41 percent of the total donations of the parties came from voluntary contributions above Rs 20,000.

Full Report: click here