Elections expenditure limits enhanced by over Rs.20 lakhs for both Assembly & Parliamentary

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 6, 2022

The Election Commission of India has enhanced the expenditure limit during election by candidates contesting in the Parliamentary Constituency and Assembly Constituencies by over Rs. 20 lakh each from the existing limits.

According to a press note issued by the Commission, the last major revision in the election expenditure limit for candidates was carried out in 2014, which was further increased by 10% in 2020. Simultaneously, the Election Commission formed a committee comprised of Sri Harish Kumar, retd. IRS Officer, Sri Umesh Sinha, Secretary General and Sri Chandra Bhushan Kumar, Sr. Deputy Election Commissioner in Election Commission of India to study the cost factors and other related issues, and make suitable recommendations.

The Committee invited suggestions from political parties, Chief Electoral Officers and Election Observers. Committee found that there has been increase in number of electors and Cost Inflation Index since 2014 substantially. It also factored into the changing modes of campaigning, which is gradually shifting to virtual campaign.

Having regard to demand from political parties to raise existing election expenditure limit for candidates and increase in electors from 2014 to 2021 from 834 million to 936 million (up by 12.23 %) and rise in Cost Inflation Index from 2014-15 to 2021-22 from 240 to 317 (up by 32.08%), the Committee furnished its recommendations to enhance the ceiling limit. The Commission has accepted the recommendations of the Committee and has decided to enhance the existing election expenditure limit for candidates. Accordingly, revised limits have now been notified by M/O Law, Justice and Legislative Department, which are as under:

For Parliamentary Constituencies (PCs)
Earlier expenditure limit (2014)	Enhanced expenditure limit now
Rs. 70 Lakh	Rs. 95 Lakh
Rs. 54 Lakh	Rs. 75 Lakh

For Assembly Constituencies (ACs)
Earlier expenditure limit (2014)	Enhanced expenditure limit now
Rs. 28 Lakh	Rs. 40 Lakh
Rs. 20 Lakh	Rs. 28 Lakh