Strong demand by MPs to raise MPLAD fund

A strong demand for raising the MP Local Area Development Fund to at least Rs 5 crore was made in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

A strong demand for raising the MP Local Area Development Fund to at least Rs 5 crore was made in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.

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MPs, cutting across party lines, said in the Lok Sabha during the resumed discussion on the general budget that the MPLAD fund of Rs 2 crore was inadequate and should be increased.

Naveen Jindal (Cong) said the MPLAD should be increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore per year. This was endorsed by several members of the House with thumping of desk.

Later, A T Nana Patil (BJP) echoed these sentiments during his speech.

Other MPs also raised this demand, though some of them said the quantum of increase can be discussed before a final decision is taken. One MP even suggested the amount be raised to Rs 10 crore.

The demand for increasing the MPLAD Fund was raised in the Lower House by several MPs on Monday as well.

During the debate, Darshana Vikram Jardosh, BJP demanded that an international airport at Surat to boost diamond business.

Prasanta Kumar Majumdar (RSP) demanded more focus on agriculture to increase productivity.

Bhudeo Chaudhary (JD-U) said though the government had termed the devastation caused by Kosi floods in Bihar as a national calamity, nothing much was done.

A T Nana Patil (BJP) said government should take measures to deal with fertiliser shortage in the country.