The Delhi government on Thursday decided to increase the annual MLA-LAD fund from Rs 10 crore to Rs 15 crore to accelerate development projects ahead of the assembly elections early next year. This decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Atishi.
According to Atishi, this is the highest MLA-Local Area Development (LAD) fund allocation in the country and three times more than most other states. Briefing reporters, the Chief Minister said that no other state in the country provides “such a huge” fund. Delhi Assembly elections are to be held in February 2025.
Atishi, accompanied by Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj, said that the MLA-LAD fund is very important in a democracy as it is used by MLAs for the development of their constituencies. Comparing it with other states, the Chief Minister said Rs 1.5 crore is allotted to an MLA in Gujarat, while MLAs in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka get Rs 2 crore each.
He said even big states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Rajasthan allocate only Rs 5 crore, making Delhi’s Rs 15 crore the “most significant” in the country. “Now Delhi will provide Rs 15 crore per year to MLAs… This is not only the highest in the country, but three times more than most states,” the Chief Minister said.
He said that for the last 10 years, the AAP government under the leadership of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been working for the people of Delhi – whether they live in slums, unauthorized colonies or big bungalows. He said that the Delhi government will continue to work for the people of Delhi in the coming years. Bhardwaj said that the main reason for increasing the fund is to ensure that the projects which were getting delayed due to departmental approvals can now start so that people can get immediate relief. Bhardwaj elaborated on the rationale behind the increase, especially in view of the damage caused by this year’s heavy rains.
Bhardwaj said, “This year, there has been excessive rainfall in Delhi, which has caused damage to roads, parks, walkways and walls. Due to increased rainfall, there are also sewer problems at many places as they have become clogged or clogged. They are silted up, and new sewer lines have been laid. “The MLA has been regularly bringing these issues to our attention, and the increased MLA funds have been given to them quickly without waiting for long departmental clearances,” Bhardwaj said. Will enable us to provide relief.”
He emphasized that the flexibility of legislative funding allows representatives to quickly address local concerns, ensuring a faster and more efficient response to citywide infrastructure and development needs.