PTI
NEW DELHI
Terming the suggestion of RTI activist Subhash Agrawal as not feasible, the Ministry of Finance has said, “Political institutions are cornerstones of any democratic set-up and provisions contained in the 13A, 80GGB and 80GGC of the Income Tax Act, 1961 intend to encourage and empower such institutions.” Six national political parties -- Congress, BJP, BSP, NCP, CPI and CPI(M) -- were brought under the purview of the RTI Act by the CIC because they enjoy indirect funding from the government in the form of subsidies and tax exemptions.
“It would not be appropriate to attempt a parallel comparison with the activities of entities such as trusts, funds and institutions of charitable nature. Activities undertaken by such entities are different from that of parties”, it said.
