PANAJI
In the last three years, nearly Rs 150 crore remained unutilised by the MLAs from their entitled Rs 300 crore fund under the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) scheme.
Interestingly, four legislators exceeded their ceiling limit and together spent additional over Rs 4.29 crore on various developmental works in their constituencies. The amount would now be adjusted against their next annual sanction.
Under the scheme, the MLAs can get projects worth Rs 2.5 crore sanctioned annually. The State Level Scheme Sanction Committee (SLSSC) has announced that no additional work proposals would be considered under the scheme unless the ceiling limit is available for sanctioning. Total Rs 300 crore was allocated across 40 constituencies since 2022, when the scheme was notified. Each constituency has got a total allocation of Rs 7.50 crore.
As per data, of the total Rs 300 crore, works worth Rs 149 crore have been approved that includes Rs 4.29 crore spent beyond the ceiling limit by constituencies like Valpoi (1.48 cr), Bicholim (1.88 cr), Velim (76 lakh) and Marcaim (17 lakh). The total works sanctioned for these constituencies amount to Rs 34.30 crore.
While these constituencies have spent beyond their limit, constituencies like Vasco and Dabolim, has not submitted a single proposal under the scheme with the entire Rs 7.50 crore each remaining unspent.
The MLA-LAD scheme, introduced in lines with MP-LAD, is a scheme that was set up to enable the elected representatives to recommend developmental works for creation of assets and amenities in sectors such as drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation and roads.
The MLA-LAD funds are released by the State government only after the MLA sends demands. Once that is done, the funds are allocated to the district administration to execute the works.
The constituencies that have utilized the funds to the maximum but within its ceiling limit are Sanvordem (7.27cr), Cuncolim (6.73 cr), Sanguem (6.22 cr), Mayem (6.18 cr), Saligao (6.17 cr), Sanquelim (5.13 cr) and Cumbharjua (5.13 cr).
Whereas the constituencies with least spending are Priol (3 lakh), Quepem (27 lakh), Thivim (96 lakh), Cortalim (68 lakh) Poriem (1.92 cr) and Navelim (2.50 cr).
