India Takes Action to Boost Political Transparency

One of the chief problems for any country as it moves past its industrial growth phase and into the realm of full technological modernity is that of corruption.  Old, outdated systems frequently remain within politics, allowing those with the money and the savvy to take advantage and retain power.  Corruption is spread across many areas in India, from its leaders and government institutions to its businesses, military and even sports teams.  Now, one organization is taking steps to force transparency on at least one power-holding entity, the country’s political parties.

India’s Central Information Commission (CIC) has officially classified the political parties of the country under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.  Their main justification was that since the parties receive funding and deals from the central government, that they should be held to the same standards as other government entities.

The effect of the decision will mean that political parties will have to disclose their sources of funding as well as letting people know where and how that money is being spent.  They must also set up the necessary infrastructure to accommodate the changes and they have six weeks to comply with the ruling.  No doubt they will seek to extend this by making an appeal, though this sort of political combat will do nothing for their reputation where it comes to working against corruption.

Most have already expressed their pleasure over the decision, seeing it as a way to rein in the corrupt by letting people know who stands behind them on their quest for power.  It is the next logical progression of transparency, incorporating some of the most influential of politics into the already existing system.  Most of the political parties, however, have not responded in any way to the decision, leaving their opinions in doubt.

With so many of India’s politicians being caught up in accusations of corruption and scandals right now, the CIC ruling comes at a very critical time.  Hopefully, India can use this opportunity to further their ambitions of having a more effective government and to remove many of those that seek to abuse the system for their own personal gain.

India Supreme Court building courtesy of Legaleagle86