SBI to issue and encash electoral bonds soon

Government of India has notified the sale of electoral bond by SBI through its 29 authorized branches from 1.11.2018 to 10.11.2018 .

• These SBI branches are in cities like New Delhi, Gandhinagar, Chandigarh, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Mumbai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chennai, Kolkata and Guwahati.
• The concept of electoral bond was initiated in the Union Budget 2017.
• Later on Electoral bond scheme 2018 was introduced.

What is an Electoral Bond?

• An Electoral Bond is just like a promissory note that will be payable to bearer on demand and free of interest.
• It can be purchased by a citizen of India or anybody incorporated in India.

Benefits of an Electoral bond:

• Transparent political funding
• Protecting donors from harassment
• No disclosure of information to third parties
• Achieving Digital India vision
• Bringing donations under tax preview

About the Electoral Bonds Scheme 2018:

• The scheme introduced that a party registered under the Representation of People's act, 1951 and securing not less than one percent of the votes polled in the preceding election is entitled to receive the electoral bonds.
• Electoral Bonds may be purchased only by a citizen of India.
• An individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.
• The bonds can only be encashed by an eligible political party only through a bank account with the authorized bank.
• Electoral Bonds are valid for fifteen calendar days from the date of issue.
• If the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period, no payment is made to any Political Party.
• The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible Political Party in its account is credited on the same day.
• The bonds are issued in multiples of 1000, 10000, 1lakh, 10 lakh, 1 crore.
• The cash donation has been capped at Rs. 2000 and beyond that donations are via electoral bonds.

Question:

Q. Government of India has notified the sale of electoral bond by which bank through its 29 authorized branches from 1.11.2018 to 10.11.2018?
a. Punjab National Bank
b. Union Bank of India
c. State Bank of India
d. Canara Bank