Former deputy election commissioner Vinod Zutshi emphasized the need for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to have a separate budget instead of grants from the Consolidated Fund of India. He highlighted the Commission's long-standing demands for autonomy, including an independent secretariat. Despite recent controversies, Zutshi acknowledged the increased independence of the electoral body today. He also addressed the transparency concerns in the appointment of Commissioners and the credibility of the election process in India.
