The Delhi cabinet approved a 50% increase in the MLA-LAD (local area development) funds, raising the annual allocation from ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore per legislator. This decision, announced on Thursday, is set to make Delhi the state with the highest MLA-LAD fund allocation in the country.
Key Announcements by Delhi Government
- Fund Increase
- Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj announced the hike after the cabinet meeting.
- The increase from ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore aims to allow local legislators more capacity to execute development projects in their areas.
- Delhi’s allocation now stands as the highest in India, surpassing other states.
- Comparison with Other States
- Gujarat: ₹1.5 crore per MLA constituency.
- Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka: ₹2 crore per MLA.
- Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan: ₹5 crore per MLA.
- Delhi now leads with ₹15 crore per MLA, which is three times more than what most other states provide.
- Purpose of MLA-LAD Funds
- The MLA-LAD funds are used for development projects like road repairs, park improvements, and sewage system upgrades.
- The funds represent the needs of local residents, allowing MLAs to implement essential projects in their constituencies.
Reasons for the Hike
- Rains and Infrastructure Damage
- Heavy rains in Delhi caused widespread damage to roads, parks, walkways, and sewer systems.
- MLAs have been raising concerns about these issues, which led to the decision to increase the funds for quick repair and relief work.
- Challenges with Sewer Systems
- Sewer lines in various areas have become clogged, silted, or need upgrading, and the increased funds will help address these problems.
Opposition’s Reaction
- Leader of Opposition’s Criticism
- Vijender Gupta, Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, criticized the hike, calling it “deceptive.”
- Gupta claimed that the additional funds would likely be misused for personal gains by contractors, officials, and ruling party MLAs.
- He also pointed out that in the past, the Kejriwal government only provided ₹10 crore of the promised ₹40 crore per MLA, citing deteriorating infrastructure.
- Election Concerns
- Gupta alleged that the additional funds were announced to strengthen support among AAP MLAs ahead of the upcoming elections.
- He argued that by the time the administrative process is completed, the election code of conduct would likely be in place, causing the funds to lapse.
BJP’s Response
- Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva demanded that the AAP government ensure proper utilization of the increased MLA-LAD funds.
- Sachdeva also called for a complete audit of all expenditures made within the final 100 days of the government’s tenure to prevent misuse.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the current MLA-LAD fund allocation in Delhi after the hike?
a) ₹10 crore
b) ₹12 crore
c) ₹15 crore
d) ₹20 crore
Answer: c) ₹15 crore - Which state allocates the highest MLA-LAD funds in India?
a) Gujarat
b) Andhra Pradesh
c) Delhi
d) Maharashtra
Answer: c) Delhi - What was the reason for the increase in MLA-LAD funds in Delhi?
a) Upcoming elections
b) Heavy rain damage to infrastructure
c) Complaints from MLAs
d) Increase in taxes
Answer: b) Heavy rain damage to infrastructure - Who criticized the hike in MLA-LAD funds as “nothing but a deception”?
a) Virendra Sachdeva
b) Saurabh Bharadwaj
c) Vijender Gupta
d) Atishi
Answer: c) Vijender Gupta - What demand did the BJP make regarding the MLA-LAD fund expenditures?
a) Increase the funds further
b) Complete the development work in 50 days
c) Conduct an audit of the expenditures
d) Allocate the funds to councillors
Answer: c) Conduct an audit of the expenditures