MCQs Based On Political Science- (168)

Correct Option: 3. ₹25,000.
Explanation: The security deposit for Lok Sabha elections was raised from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 to discourage non-serious candidates.

Correct Option: 4. They are banned during the period notified by the Election Commission.
Explanation: Exit polls cannot be conducted or published during a period notified by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections.

Correct Option: 3. District Magistrate.
Explanation: To streamline appeals, 2009 reforms allowed appeals against electoral roll decisions to be handled at the district level (DM/ADM).

Correct Option: 4. It is a bearer instrument.
Explanation: Electoral bonds are bearer instruments like promissory notes and do not carry the name of the donor, maintaining donor anonymity.
Electoral Bonds in India
Electoral Bonds are a political funding instrument introduced by the Government of India in 2018 to make donations to political parties more transparent and accountable — at least in theory. However, they have generated major debate around transparency, anonymity, and fairness. What Are Electoral Bonds?
Definition: An electoral bond is a bearer financial instrument (like a promissory note) that can be purchased from specified branches of the State Bank of India (SBI) and donated to a political party.
Form: Physical document — not digital.
Purpose: To serve as a non-cash alternative to political donations.
Key Features of Electoral Bonds
-Issuer: State Bank of India (SBI)
-Denominations: ₹1,000, ₹10,000, ₹1 lakh, ₹10 lakh, ₹1 crore
-Eligibility to Buy: Indian citizens or companies incorporated in India
-Validity: Valid for 15 days from the date of issue
-Recipient Parties: Only registered political parties that secured ≥1% of votes in last Lok Sabha or Assembly elections
-Encashment: Only through a party’s designated bank account
-Anonymity: Donor identity is not disclosed publicly; SBI records are kept confidential
-Tax Benefit: Donors get tax exemptions under Section 80GGB (companies) and 80GGC (individuals)
Purpose Claimed by Government
-Clean up political funding
-Eliminate black money in elections
-Encourage banking channel donations instead of cash
Criticisms of Electoral Bonds
-Lack of Transparency: Donors are anonymous to the public — only SBI and government may know.
-Favoring Ruling Party: SBI data is not public, raising fears of selective targeting of donors to opposition parties.
-Corporate Influence: 2017 reforms removed cap on corporate donations, allowing unlimited funds from shell companies.
-Foreign Funding: Amended FCRA allows foreign-origin companies to donate, raising national security concerns.
-Democratic Deficit: Voters don’t know who funds whom, which can influence policies and governance.
Judicial and Political Developments
-Multiple PILs filed in Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the scheme.
-Supreme Court in February 2024 struck down the Electoral Bond Scheme as unconstitutional, citing lack of transparency and the citizens’ right to know the sources of political funding.
Conclusion
While Electoral Bonds aimed to formalize and clean up political donations, they ended up increasing opacity, especially due to the anonymity granted to large donors. The Supreme Court’s 2024 judgment marks a significant turn in India’s electoral funding system.

Correct Option: 3. Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010.
Explanation: This amendment allowed Indian citizens residing abroad to register in electoral rolls and vote, provided they have not acquired foreign citizenship.