This refers to the editorial, “Problem, not solution” (January 31). No one should underestimate the powers of the Election Commission of India to conduct free and fair elections. It is disappointing to note that The Pioneer has supported the Reserve Bank of India’s directive to increase cash withdrawal limits, with weak arguments. How would less availability of cash lead to malpractices in electionsIJ In fact, the reverse would be correct; more cash leads to more diversion. If that is not the case, why is the Election Commission tracking and booking cases for recovery of large amounts of cashIJ Whereas on the one hand, to ensure transparency, the poll panel suggests restricting cash donations from unnamed donors to political parties from the present `20,000 to `2,000. On the other, it wants them to have more cash for elections.
The point that is being missed by many is that restrictions or limits are for using cash; there are no restrictions for use of money through non-cash means, in the mandated amount. When the common man is asked to use more non-cash methods, why cannot a candidate do itIJ Cash transaction leaves no trace and end use remains unverified.