Delhi government proposes to hike each Delhi MLA’s local area fund by Rs 10 crore

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has proposed to hike by Rs 10 crore the allocation to each MLA under the local area development (LAD) funds scheme for the current

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has proposed to hike by Rs 10 crore the allocation to each MLA under the local area development (LAD) funds scheme for the current financial year.

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Currently, a legislator gets Rs 4 crore to carry out development works in his constituency.

According to Delhi government officials, Rs 280 crore meant for MLA-LAD funds has been already disbursed. It proposes to give out an additional Rs 700 crore.

If the proposal is implemented, it will be the highest hike in the local area funds for legislators in the country.

In 2011, the Sheila Dikshit government had increased MLA funds from Rs 2 crore to Rs 4 crore.

“Of Rs 4 crore fund, Rs 1 crore is allocated for executing works for Delhi Jal Board (DJB)every year as per the rule,” said a government official.

Sources said deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia has asked urban development department to prepare a cabinet note, which will be presented to the cabinet for a formal approval. It will then be sent to the Centre’s nod.

Officials said the additional funds will be used for works “especially in rural and unauthorised colonies”.

The proposal for additional allocation of funds has been sent to the Lieutenant Governor. Once the cabinet okays it, the proposal will be tabled in the Delhi Assembly where the AAP has an overwhelming majority with 67 MLAs.

The official said that the decision was taken in view of the fact that three municipal corporations have virtually failed to carry out development due to lack of funds.

“Additional funds will be utilised to improve civic amenities in the 272 municipal wards,” said an official.

“Funds will be spent on redevelopment of streetlights, parks, pavements, and roads in colonies,” said the official.

Referring to the letter from the deputy CM’s office dated August 31, the official said that the upper limit for the funds will remain Rs 4 crore per annum. It is not necessary that the additional Rs 10 crore will be granted in the next financial year, the official said.