To(mailto:chief.electionofficer@eci.gov.in)
**Subject:Request for Consideration of "Free Election Campaigning System" to Curb Black Money and Strengthen Indian Democracy
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**Respected Chief Election Commissioner,**
I, **Subasish Samal**, a responsible and concerned citizen of India from the state of **Odisha**, humbly present this proposal that I believe has the power to transform India’s electoral system and reinforce democratic values — the idea of **“Free Election Campaigning”**, funded and regulated by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
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### 1. Present Situation: Uncontrolled Campaign Expenditure & Black Money
In today’s electoral system, thousands of crores are spent during elections — far beyond the officially permitted limits. Much of this money is:
* Unaccounted and circulated through **black money** channels.
* Spent on massive rallies, digital propaganda, paid news, and logistics.
* Used to offer cash, gifts, or liquor to sway voters.
* Utilized in unfair practices like booth capturing, fake voting, and coercion.
These practices:
* Undermine the fairness of elections.
* Promote inequality where only the wealthy can contest effectively.
* Lead to deep-rooted corruption and criminalization of politics.
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### 2. The Proposal: Free Election Campaigning System
Under this model, the Election Commission will take charge of the **entire campaigning ecosystem**, offering all eligible candidates:
* Equal time slots on **TV, radio, digital platforms, SMS, and posters**.
* Free space in public areas for **debates, pamphlets, and banners**, regulated by ECI.
* Disallowance of private expenditures on advertising or promotions.
* Strict surveillance of **offline and online** platforms to maintain fairness.
No candidate or party will be allowed to spend beyond a minimal operational expense. Instead, the **state provides standard promotional support** to each, ensuring **equality and transparency**.
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### 3. Benefits of This Reform
**Economic:**
* Prevents the flow of black money.
* Saves thousands of crores otherwise wasted in unfair campaigning.
* Redirects national resources to development and public welfare.
**Social:**
* Opens doors for honest candidates from middle-class or poor backgrounds.
* Encourages youth, women, and local leaders to participate.
* Ends dynastic and money-dominated politics.
**Environmental:**
* Drastically reduces use of **paper, plastic, vehicles, and electricity**.
* Prevents noise pollution and littering caused by large rallies.
**Governance:**
* Elects truly deserving and people-centric leaders.
* Restores people’s faith in democracy.
* Reduces violence, vote-buying, and communal tactics.
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### 4. Disadvantages & Practical Challenges
Admittedly, a few challenges are expected:
* Political resistance from powerful, money-backed parties.
* Need for **advanced surveillance infrastructure**.
* Legal pushback from private media channels or advertising sectors.
**Solution:** Phased implementation through **pilot programs**, strong legal backing, technological tools, and **public awareness**.
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### 5. Constitutional & Legal Validity
This proposal aligns with:
* **Article 324** of the Indian Constitution – empowering ECI to ensure free and fair elections.
* **Section 77 of Representation of People Act, 1951** – limiting campaign expenses.
* **Model Code of Conduct** – ensuring level playing field.
* **Right to Equality (Article 14)** – ensuring electoral fairness for all.
The Election Commission has the **authority to recommend** such reforms and **enforce pilot programs**. A full roll-out can follow after Parliamentary sanction.
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### 6. Legislative Pathway to Make This a Law
1. ECI forms a legal & administrative review committee.
2. Submits the proposal to the **Law Commission & Law Ministry**.
3. The Law Ministry drafts the **Free and Fair Election Campaign Bill**.
4. Bill is introduced in **Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha** under Article 245.
5. After Parliamentary debate and majority voting, it gets Presidential assent.
This becomes a **landmark law** for electoral transparency and democracy.
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### 7. National Impact
By implementing this model, India can:
* **Save ₹1-2 lakh crore** every 5 years.
* Improve global perception of India’s democratic integrity.
* Boost rankings in **Transparency Index**, **Democracy Index**, and **Ease of Doing Business**.
* Create a cleaner political environment.
* Promote **inclusive growth and accountable governance**.
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### 8. My Request as a Citizen of India
As a proud Indian, I request your esteemed office to:
* Review and consider the Free Campaigning proposal.
* Initiate a committee to study and frame the pilot structure.
* Make a bold step to eliminate money power from our democratic system.
Let us together make elections truly about **vision, service, and character — not cash**.
With faith in your leadership and the Election Commission’s vision, I place this proposal with sincerity and hope.
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**Sincerely,**
**Subasish Samal**
Odisha, India
Phone: +91-7077517545
