LUCKNOW: The developmental activities in Uttar Pradesh have virtually come to a standstill due to unusually prolonged `model code of conduct' in force for the local polls leaving more than Rs 500 crore locked in the State treasury.

The various state agencies and elected representatives have been restricted from utilising the funds for development since the `model code of conduct' came in force in UP on July 19 for the three-tier panchayat polls in 52,000 villages being described here as "the mother of all elections".

"Yes, the development funds have remained locked for four months starting July due to panchayat polls," a senior officer in the Finance Department said here. The final phase of the local polls will be over in November-end.

The fund locked in state treasury includes the Rs 2 crore each as the annual Development Fund (MPLADF) to 80 Lok Sabha and 32 Rajya Sabha MPs and Rs one crore each for 403 MLAs in UP assembly and 100 MLCs in state legislative council.

According to official sources, of the total Rs 503 crore of MLA development fund and Rs 160 crore of MP (Lok Sabha) Development Fund less then 30 per cent had been utilised so far due to the `never ending' process of polls and by-polls to democratic institutions in the state.

In addition, work by various government agencies like PWD, Rural Road Development Authority and Rural Development Department, is held up causing a setback to the development process this year as several hundred crores of grant of these departments were lying dormant owing to poll processes.

As the final phase of panchayat poll process ends on October 25, yet another spell of code of conduct is awaiting enforcement in urban areas as new municipal bodies have to be constituted by November 29 next, as per the constitutional provision. -- UNI

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