The Election Commission has sought comments from political parties on a set of draft guidelines that restrains payment of poll expenses in cash to candidates. The move is aimed at checking use of black money during elections.

In a note issued to parties, the revised guideline draft has been circulated on which the political formations will have to respond in two weeks or else their non-response will be deemed as consent.

The step comes close on the heels of the Commission’s decision to introduce guidelines on manifestos within the Model Code of Conduct by which parties were asked to indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirements for fulfilling manifesto promises.

The draft guidelines mooted by the EC proposed that any party, which desired to provide any amount to its candidates for their election expenses, “shall make such payment, not exceeding the prescribed ceiling, only through crossed account payee cheque or draft or through bank account transfer and not in cash.”

All political parties have further been asked to “submit a copy of the audited annual accounts with auditor’s report for each financial year” before October 30 every year. The guidelines further require the Treasurer of each political party to maintain consolidated accounts at the central party headquarters. The norms, prepare in consultation with Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has advised that parties shall not make any payment, in excess of `20,000 in a day to any person or company or entity in cash. The only exception would be in villages or towns not served by bank or where the intended amount is towards salary, pension or reimbursement of expenses to any employee or party functionary.

The draft guidelines also require all contributions or amounts received by parties in excess of `1,000 to be acknowledged with a receipt of which a record ‘shall’ be maintained with name and address of such individuals, companies or entities.