Increase our funds to Rs3 crore: Maharashtra assembly members

The elected members in the state legislature assembly and council have started a signature campaign demanding hike in the development funds from Rs1.5 crore to Rs3 crore. Majority of the 288 MLAs and 78 MLCs are eagerly awaiting the decision from finance minister Ajit Pawar.

If the demand is accepted, the state government will have to set aside Rs1,098 crore from its treasury to please the members. Currently, the government incurs Rs549 crore towards MLA funds. This means the state will have to make an additional provision of Rs549 crore.

A senior NCP minister said, “Against the backdrop of the escalation of prices in all sectors, the hike is a must. This fund helps us to some extent to fulfil the projects undertaken in our constituencies. However, one must admit some money often goes to please the people in constituencies.”

However, the members in the council who are not directly elected are often under pressure from their respective parties to divert their funds as they desire in different regions across state.

The members of the Congress, BJP, NCP, Sena and MNS who have given their consent to the raise are citing developments in Delhi to get their voice across to finance minister.

Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee recently raised the Member of Parliament Local Area Development funds (MP, LAD funds) from Rs2 crore to Rs5 crore.

In private, several members admit, “To please all sections, we often undertake some work which can be avoided. If we invest the entire amount in one project, it would be more beneficial.”