Electoral Bonds Information Now Accessible On Election Commission's Website: Check Details Here

The Election Commission announced on Thursday that it has uploaded electoral bonds data, as provided by the State Bank of India (SBI), on its official website. Among the donors to political parties through electoral bonds are Grasim Industries, Megha Engineering, and Piramal Enterprises.

"In compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court, as outlined in its orders dated February 15 and March 11, 2024 (in the matter of WPC NO.880 of 2017), the State Bank of India (SBI) furnished the electoral bonds data to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 12, 2024," stated the election commission in a press release.

"The Election Commission of India has now made the electoral bonds data available on its website, as received from SBI, on an 'as is where is' basis," it further added. The data can be accessed at the following URL: https://www.eci.gov.in/candidate-politicalparty.

"It is pertinent to recall that in the aforementioned matter, the ECI consistently and unequivocally advocated for disclosure and transparency, a stance that was upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and reiterated in its order," emphasized the EC.

The State Bank of India had submitted an affidavit of compliance to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, confirming the provision of comprehensive details regarding the electoral bonds scheme to the Election Commission of India.

SBI furnished information including the purchase date, purchaser names, and denominations of the electoral bonds. Electoral bonds have been under intense scrutiny as they enable individuals and corporations to anonymously donate money to political parties.

Earlier directives from the Supreme Court mandated SBI to share detailed information with the Election Commission to ensure transparency and accountability in political funding. In addition to purchaser details, SBI has provided the EC with information on the encashment date of the electoral bonds and the recipient political parties.

This initiative aims to bolster the transparency of political contributions, ensuring traceability and accountability of the funds involved.