BJP seeks restoration of MLA funds, submits memo to Himachal Governor

Led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, the BJP Legislature Party on Friday submitted a memorandum to Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, seeking restoration of the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) Fund and discretionary grants for legislators.

The BJP MLAs expressed resentment over only half of the LAD amount being released despite a budgetary provision and pointed out that discretionary funds were also not being released on time.

“There is a deliberate attempt by the government to stall development works in the constituencies of BJP MLAs, which goes against the spirit of democracy and uniform development,” Jai Ram Thakur said, urging the Governor to direct the state government to ensure timely release of funds.

The legislators also alleged that detailed project reports (DPRs) of priority schemes proposed by opposition MLAs were not being processed for forwarding to Nabard. The issue is expected to figure in the planning meetings being chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu with all MLAs.

Recalling last year’s monsoon disaster, BJP MLAs said the absence of LAD funds had constrained their ability to help affected people and honour commitments made to constituents.

The decision to submit the memorandum was taken at a BJP Legislature Party meeting held here last night. The legislators said the discontinuation of the LAD fund and the stoppage of discretionary grants had hampered assistance to the poor, including for medical treatment and small local works.

Meanwhile, the BJP is learnt to be weighing its participation in the special Assembly session convened on February 17 to discuss the discontinuation of the revenue deficit grant to Himachal by the 16th Finance Commission.