| MLA Development fund?
A few years back not many people knew there is a fund called the MLA's local area development fund, which is aimed at developing roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Similarly people were not aware of the fund sanctioned by the Center through a Member of Parliament for welfare programs in the particular constituency represented by the MP concerned. But today most of the people have questioned the MLAs and MPs where the development funds allocated to them have gone.
And only few will give a convincing reply. The State Government has sanctioned Rs 15lakhs annually to a member of the House while an MP is getting two crores per annum. This is not a mean amount and if this fund is utilized properly a lot of welfare programs can be taken up. The funds are in addition to the welfare programs of the State. No MLA can boast of the fact that they have utilized it properly. There is no accountability and transparency. Even the Government is not ready to release details of the funds released to the MLAs or the MPs for obvious reasons.
Some MLAs complained that they have to spend a huge amount of money on attending marriage or shradha ceremonies of his constituency. This is true. But what the MLA or the MP is doing while attending such religious programs is nothing but pulling wool over the eyes of the voters. The money distributed in such programs can be used in improving the village road, bridges and drainage.
Another complaint is donation sought by all and sundry. It should b remembered that local clubs and organizations know that the particular MLA has got enough ill gotten money stashed away. No MLA or Minister who uses the development fund in the right manner and do not line his own pocket with public money will not face such "harassments."
Now people are aware of the existence of such development funds. And interestingly some candidates have announced that they will hand over the MLA local area development fund to a committee, which is expected to oversee utilization of it. The question is if the MLA in question is honest, sincere and committed enough to fund welfare programs in his or her own constituency in a fair, open and effective manner where is the need of constituting such a committee, which is comprised of only his workers or agents. It should not be forgotten that an MLA is representing all the people in his constituency including his rival candidates, their agents and workers.
Hence if an MLA constitutes such a committee only with his workers, it certainly creates room for suspicion. People should not be happy when it is announced that the fund will be given to them. It is their money and they should see that they themselves are benefited. The fund should not be made to mean MLA development fund. The district authority concerned that sanctions such fund is unwilling to reveal details. This creates suspicion that they are hand in glove with the honorable MLAs.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express) |
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