Electoral Trusts in India: Behind the Veil of Political Funding

India’s electoral funding architecture has long drawn criticism for lacking transparency and accountability. While the now-defunct Electoral Bonds have hogged headlines for being a major source of anonymous funding, an older and still-functioning system of Electoral Trusts continues to quietly channel vast sums of money into political parties with limited public scrutiny.

While Electoral Bonds have rightly been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2024, Electoral Trusts have resurfaced as the primary legal tool for corporate donations to political parties, again raising serious concerns over opaque funding and disproportionate political influence by big business.

What Are Electoral Trusts?

Electoral Trusts are non-profit organizations registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) that are legally allowed to collect voluntary contributions from individuals and companies and distribute them to registered political parties. The framework was formalized under the Companies Act and the Representation of the People Act, ostensibly to bring more transparency to corporate political donations.

But while the intent was noble, in practice, these trusts have become intermediaries that shield the identity of donors from the general public, often leaving voters in the dark about who finances whom and why.

How Do Electoral Trusts Work?

• Companies donate funds to an Electoral Trust.

• The Trust aggregates these funds and distributes them to political parties.

• Political parties are required to declare only donations above ₹20,000, and while the Electoral Trust must file a report with the ECI, the details often remain buried in annexures that receive little media attention.

• Trusts are expected not to favor one party excessively—but in reality, many do.

This system effectively allows corporations to donate to parties without their names being directly associated, sidestepping public scrutiny while maintaining legal compliance.

The 2023-24 Snapshot: Who Gave What to Whom

The ECI’s latest contribution reports for FY 2023-24 reveal the following key insights:

1. Prudent Electoral Trust

• Registered Address: New Delhi

• Major Donors: RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Megha Engineering, GMR, ArcelorMittal Nippon, TVS Motors, DLF, Airtel, Maruti Suzuki, Cipla, Jubilant, Apollo Tyres, and more.

• Beneficiary Parties: BJP, INC, BRS, Jana Sena, TDP, YSRCP.

• Noteworthy: Formerly Satya Electoral Trust, this is India’s most influential electoral trust.

2. Triumph Electoral Trust

• Registered Address: Chennai

• Major Donors: EID Parry, Coromandel International, Cholamandalam Investments.

• Beneficiary Parties: BJP and DMK.

• Notes: Highlights the regional focus of certain corporate-political linkages.

3. Paribartan Electoral Trust

• Registered Address: Kolkata

• Sole Donor: RCCPL Pvt Ltd (MP Birla Group subsidiary)

• Beneficiary Party: Undisclosed, but tied to MP Birla Group interests.

• Notes: Operates out of Birla-owned premises, raising conflict of interest concerns.

Other Trusts:

• AB General, PD General, Jai Hind, Swadeshi, Jan Kalyan, Jay Bharath and others smaller players with concentrated or local donations.

• Some, like Einzigartig Electoral Trust, received donations directly from individuals but still funneled all funds to the BJP.

The Problem: Transparency Only on Paper

While the ECI does publish reports, they are typically buried in obscure PDFs on its backend website, inaccessible to most citizens. Moreover, while companies must pass Board resolutions and ensure traceable payments, there are no effective deterrents against using subsidiaries, proxy companies, or opaque trusts to mask true donor identities.

This raises a fundamental question: Is this system a step toward transparency or a sophisticated means of legal obfuscation?

Conclusion: A Broken System That Needs Fixing

In the wake of the Electoral Bonds’ ban, Electoral Trusts have become the new anonymous pipelines of political money. While technically legal, they are no less damaging to the health of Indian democracy.

Transparency must not be symbolic. If India truly wishes to uphold the democratic spirit, it must shine a bright light on who funds its leaders and policies. Until then, Electoral Trusts will remain tools of influence hidden in plain sight, sanitized by paperwork, yet unaccountable to the public.

The Irony of Mechanization: Why Is the Government Banning JCBs and Cranes in MGNREGA While Promising Farm Reforms?

The Indian government has often spoken of ushering in a new era of farm mechanization. With grand announcements, subsidy schemes, and policy declarations, the goal is supposedly clear: to enhance productivity, reduce drudgery, and make agriculture and rural development more efficient through the use of modern machinery. But on the ground, a paradox is unfolding while the government pushes for mechanized farming on one hand, it is simultaneously enforcing a regressive manual labor-only approach in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme by restricting the use of JCBs, cranes, and other machinery.

This contradiction isn't just ironic, it’s counterproductive and reeks of political opportunism cloaked in the guise of employment generation.

The Ban on Machines in MGNREGA: A Step Backward

Under MGNREGA, rural citizens are entitled to 100 days of wage employment per financial year. The scheme, once hailed for empowering rural households, is now becoming a symbol of inefficiency and exploitative labor. By prohibiting the use of earthmovers, JCBs, and cranes for civil works like digging ponds, constructing check dams, or leveling fields, tasks that could be done in a fraction of the time with machines—the government is willfully choosing slower, more labor-intensive methods.

This might sound pro-employment on paper. In reality, it delays project execution, drives up hidden costs, and drains the physical well-being of workers without necessarily providing long-term skill development or capacity building. Many tasks currently being done under MGNREGA could benefit immensely from mechanization, not just for speed, but for quality and sustainability.

The Hidden Agenda: Artificially Inflated Employment Numbers?

The government's insistence on manual labor raises an uncomfortable question: Is this policy being driven by employment optics rather than genuine rural development?

According to international and national standards, a person is considered unemployed if they are willing to work, available for work, and are unable to find work for a minimum of one day during the reference week (usually measured using the Current Weekly Status approach by NSSO/PLFS).

However, the moment an individual gets work, even for a few days under MGNREGA, they are likely recorded as “employed” in the data.

So here’s the catch: by deploying large numbers of people in MGNREGA projects, often underemployed in hard, low-productivity manual work, the government can technically reduce unemployment figures. In reality, many of these workers are just underemployed, not meaningfully engaged in work that enhances their skills or income potential.

This misuse of employment data not only distorts public policy outcomes but also compromises the integrity of our labor statistics. It creates a dangerous illusion that joblessness is being addressed when, in truth, it is only being papered over with tokenistic work.

The Missed Opportunity: Empowering Rural India Through Machines

If the government is serious about rural empowerment, it should explore ways to integrate machinery and technology into MGNREGA, not exclude it. Here’s how:

• Skill development: Train workers to operate machinery like JCBs and cranes, creating long-term employability.

• Efficiency: Use machines to complete large projects faster while reserving manual labor for tasks that truly require human effort.

• Entrepreneurship: Encourage self-help groups or cooperatives to rent out machines for MGNREGA work, boosting local income generation.

• Transparency and Accountability: Digitally track machine usage, fuel consumption, and project milestones to curb corruption and delays.

Conclusion: It’s Time to Modernize, Not Mythologize, Rural Work

India's rural poor do not need to be chained to shovels and pickaxes in the name of job creation. They deserve dignity, efficiency, and a genuine shot at progress. For a government that claims to embrace technology and modernization, the deliberate exclusion of machinery in MGNREGA projects is a glaring contradiction. It’s time for policymakers to drop this pretense and align rural employment schemes with a future-forward vision, where human potential is amplified, not exhausted.

Let’s stop pretending that sweat alone builds a nation. Strategy, skills, and smart tools do too. 

References: 

1. https://www.prameyanews.com/odisha-pr-ministers-remark-on-use-of-jcb-in-mgnregs-sparks-row

2. https://www.telegraphindia.com/jharkhand/jharkhand-banned-jcb-machines-used-in-nrega-plans/cid/1849024

3. https://avenuemail.in/jharkhand-cm-thrust-on-more-jobs-under-mgnrega-to-stop-migration-prohibits-jcb/

4. https://www.counterview.in/2020/06/mgnrega-work-being-diverted-in-up-jcb.html

5. https://ommcomnews.com/odisha-news/cm-majhi-bans-use-of-machine-in-work-executed-under-mgnrega/

The Fighter Jet Powerhouses

 The Fighter Jet Powerhouses: 

A Deep Dive into the Aviation Dominance

The global landscape of fighter jet production has been dominated by a few key players: the United States, China, Russia, and India. Each of these nations has invested heavily in developing and manufacturing advanced fighter jets, driven by their military needs, geopolitical ambitions, and technological capabilities. In this article, we explore the history of fighter jet development in these nations, the evolution of their aircraft, and how they have come to dominate the skies with next-generation jets.

United States: The Pioneer in Stealth and Multirole Capabilities

Early Developments and Historical Background

The U.S. has long been at the forefront of fighter jet production, dating back to World War II. American manufacturers, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman, began producing iconic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and the F-86 Sabre, which played crucial roles in securing air superiority during the Cold War. However, it was in the post-Vietnam era that the United States began to focus on the development of advanced fighter jets that would shift the dynamics of aerial warfare forever.

In the 1980s, the U.S. introduced the F-117 Nighthawk, the first-ever stealth aircraft. This marked the beginning of a new era, where stealth technology would become a primary focus in fighter jet design. The F-22 Raptor, which entered service in 2005, was the culmination of these efforts. A fifth-generation fighter, the F-22 combined extreme agility, stealth, and supercruise capabilities, ensuring U.S. dominance in air superiority.

F-22 Raptor by Lockheed Marin

In the 2010s, the U.S. expanded its influence with the development of the F-35 Lightning II, a multirole, fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed to perform in various missions, from air-to-air combat to ground strikes. The F-35 is available in three variants, making it highly adaptable for different branches of the U.S. military and allied nations. With global sales reaching over 700 units as of 2025, the F-35 has become the most widely used advanced fighter jet in the world, adopted by countries such as the UK, Israel, Japan, and Australia.

Current Dominance

The United States remains a global leader in fighter jet production, not only because of its advanced technology but also due to its robust defense industry and vast network of military partnerships. With decades of experience and continuous advancements in avionics, stealth technology, and multirole capabilities, the U.S. continues to be a dominant player in the international fighter jet market.

China: The Rising Challenger with a Focus on Stealth and Range

Early Development and the Push for Independence

China’s journey in fighter jet development began much later compared to the U.S., with its earliest efforts dating back to the 1950s. During the Cold War, China relied heavily on Soviet designs, notably the Shenyang J-5, which was based on the Soviet MiG-17. Over the next few decades, China worked on adapting Soviet designs to meet its own needs, gradually developing aircraft like the J-7 (a Chinese variant of the MiG-21) and the J-8, which focused on air superiority.

It wasn’t until the 1990s, with China’s growing economic power, that it began investing heavily in its own fighter jet programs. The J-10, developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, was China’s first indigenously designed fourth-generation fighter. The J-10's ability to engage in air-to-air and ground attack roles demonstrated China's growing technological capabilities.

The Shift to Fifth-Generation Fighters

In the 2010s, China made a strategic leap with the introduction of the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. This fighter jet signified China’s intent to compete with the U.S. in air superiority. The J-20 incorporates advanced stealth technologies, cutting-edge avionics, and high maneuverability, positioning China as a serious contender in the global fighter jet market. Although there is limited information on its operational performance, the J-20 is expected to play a crucial role in China’s defense strategy.

Cheney J-20 Mighty Dragon by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation

China has also been working on the Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon, another fifth-generation fighter, which is expected to be more affordable and designed with export markets in mind. The FC-31 has generated significant interest from countries like Pakistan, which may soon integrate this aircraft into their air forces.

Current Dominance

China is quickly closing the gap with the U.S. in terms of fighter jet production. With a focus on stealth, long-range capabilities, and affordability, China is positioning itself as a major global player in the fighter jet market. While its technological advancements are still catching up to the U.S. in terms of stealth and avionics, China’s rapidly advancing manufacturing capabilities make it a formidable force in the global arms market.

Russia: The Legacy of Cold War Superiority

Early Years and Cold War Legacy

Russia, inheriting the legacy of the Soviet Union, has been a major producer of fighter jets since the 1940s. During the Cold War, Soviet-designed aircraft like the MiG-15 and MiG-21 set the standard for air combat. These planes were widely used across the Eastern Bloc and allied nations, ensuring Russia's dominance in the fighter jet domain. The MiG-29, introduced in the 1980s, was a significant leap forward, featuring advanced avionics and greater agility than its Western counterparts.

The Su-27 and Su-57: A New Era in Russian Aviation

In the 1990s, Russia began developing the Su-27, a twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft produced by Sukhoi. The Su-27 became one of the most successful aircraft of its generation, offering exceptional maneuverability and combat capabilities. The Su-27 formed the foundation for a series of successful variants, including the Su-30, Su-33, and Su-35, which continue to be used by Russian and allied forces today.

Su-47 by United Aircraft Corporation

Russia’s most recent entry into the fifth-generation fighter jet market is the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon. A direct competitor to the F-22 and J-20, the Su-57 is designed with stealth, supercruise, and supermaneuverability in mind. The Su-57 is expected to play a crucial role in Russia’s air superiority strategy for years to come. However, its production has been slower than expected, and Russia is still working on integrating the aircraft into its armed forces.

Current Dominance

Russia continues to be a major producer of fighter jets, focusing on multirole capabilities, agility, and affordability. While its jets may not match the U.S. in terms of stealth technology, Russia’s fighter aircraft remain highly competitive in terms of maneuverability and cost. Russia is one of the few countries that maintains a robust export market for its fighter jets, with nations like India, Algeria, and Syria continuing to purchase Russian-made aircraft.

India: The Emerging Power with Indigenous Ambitions

Early Years and External Dependence

India’s fighter jet journey began in the 1950s when it relied heavily on foreign imports, primarily from the Soviet Union. The MiG-21 became the backbone of India’s air force for several decades. Despite early successes with Soviet designs, India sought to develop its own indigenous capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

In the 1980s, India initiated the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, aiming to create a homegrown multirole fighter. The first successful prototype, the Tejas, entered service in the 2000s. While the Tejas faced numerous delays, it marked a significant step in India’s defense capabilities.

AMCA by HCL 

The Push for Next-Generation Fighters

India’s most ambitious fighter jet project is the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter that is being developed by the Indian Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). The AMCA is expected to incorporate advanced stealth features, supercruise, and high maneuverability, bringing India to the forefront of fighter jet technology.

Rafale By Dassault Aviation

India has also modernized its air force with the purchase of Dassault Rafale jets from France and Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets from Russia, further enhancing its combat capabilities.

Current Dominance

India is still in the early stages of establishing itself as a global fighter jet producer. While it has made significant strides with the Tejas and the AMCA program, it remains dependent on foreign suppliers for many of its advanced fighter jets. However, India’s continued focus on indigenous development, along with its growing defense industry, positions it as a potential future powerhouse in fighter jet production.

Conclusion: 

The United States, China, Russia, and India are each carving their own path in the fighter jet domain, with varying levels of technological sophistication and production capabilities. The U.S. remains the global leader in advanced stealth and multirole fighter jets, while China is rapidly closing the gap with its J-20 and FC-31. Russia, with its legacy of highly maneuverable aircraft, continues to produce highly competitive fighter jets, and India, with its indigenous programs like the Tejas and AMCA, is emerging as a significant player in the years to come.

As these nations continue to invest in next-generation fighter jets, the global balance of air power will undoubtedly shift, with each nation vying for dominance in the skies. And we have to remember, India has a lot to catchup for compete with the existing NexGen fighter jets.