Single parliamentary panel on MPLAD scheme suggested
Sujay Mehdudia
Joint committee can help avoid delay and duplication of work: Jaiswal
NEW DELHI: Seeking to put an end to duplication in work and fast-track the decision making process, Statistics and Programme Implementation Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar to constitute a single Parliamentary Committee comprising members from both Houses to monitor the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund scheme.
In a letter to Ms. Kumar, Mr. Jaiswal stated that the two separate committees, one with members from the Rajya Sabha and the other from the Lok Sabha, should be merged to form a single joint committee.
At present, both committees hold separate meetings and give divergent suggestions with regard to the utilisation of funds.
“The existence of two committees leads to two sets of meetings on various issues, which often leads to variance in decision making, duplication of work and resultant delays,” Mr. Jaiswal said.
The delay and duplication of work could be avoided if a joint committee on the MPLAD scheme held deliberations together, he added.
Community assets
The scheme was implemented on December 23, 1993 to provide a mechanism for the Parliamentarians to recommend works of developmental nature to create durable community assets in various constituencies.
The Ministry is the nodal agency responsible for policy formulation, release of funds and monitoring implementation of the scheme. Under the scheme, every sitting Member of Parliament gets Rs. 2 crore a year for carrying out developmental works in his or her constituency.
The Ministry has proposed to increase this amount to Rs. 5 crore.
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