Regulating funds

I wish to draw a parallel between the role of political parties and that of non-governmental and religious organisations, now that the Supreme Court has suggested that the government frame a statutory law to regulate the flow of public money to NGOs (“SC seeks law to regulate NGO funds”, April 27). All NGOs and religious organisations work for some cause; similarly, political parties have an ideology. Just as there is a need to monitor the sources of funds for NGOs, the funds of parties should also be scrutinised. The government gives approval to NGOs and religious organisations after ensuring the legitimacy of the cause. At the time of registration, the government could provide a seed fund, open the NGO’s account in a chosen bank, and announce that the NGO is free to seek funds from anyone who wishes to support the cause. Funds would be routed only through this account. Can’t transparency be ensured this way? The Finance Minister recently said that he supports crowdfunding of parties. It is high time political parties, NGOs and religious organisations were made accountable.

R. Swarnalatha,

New Delhi

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/letters/no-grace-marks/article18261209.ece