Odisha MLAs demand increase in MLA-LAD fund

The Odisha Assembly on Thursday witnessed noisy scenes as legislators cutting across party lines demanded an increase in the Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLALAD) Fund.

Raising the matter in the House, BJD MLA Sanjeeb Mallick said,  “Rs 3 crore is allotted for MLA-LAD fund. Of the Rs 3 crore, Rs 2 crore is for miscellaneous expenses while Rs 50 lakh each is meant for education and construction of roads.”

The allocation of Rs 2 crore for general expenses should be increased to Rs 3 crore, the legislator demanded.

Similarly, Opposition chief whip Mohan Majhi demanded an increase in the MLA-LAD fund from existing Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore.

“The MLA-LAD fund is very essential to fulfil the needs of people. So I have demanded a raise from Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore. The demand has been welcomed by other MLAs too,” said Majhi.

“Many other States have hiked the fund to Rs 5 crore and above. So, Odisha should also increase the fund,” the BJP leader added.

Responding to the demands of the MLAs, Minister for Planning and Convergence Rajendra Dholakia said, “As of now there is no plan to increase the MLA-LAD fund. Decision to increase the sum will be made at the right time.”