MLA fund enhanced to Rs 4 crore

The Delhi Assembly Budget session ended on a high note for MLAs,with the government increasing the MLA Local Area Development fund from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 4 crore.

On March 22,when Dikshit presented the Budget,she had raised the amount from Rs 2 crore to Rs 2.5 crore. On Monday,as the final Budget was passed,the government further increased the amount. This amount will include Rs 1 crore given to each MLA by the Delhi Jal Board to maintain sewer and water distribution networks in their wards.

The present cost ceiling of Rs 70 lakh for a single project under the MLALAD fund has been enhanced to Rs 1.5 crore. MLAs from both Congress and BJP had demanded an increase in the fund from the proposed Rs 2.5 crore.

The government also announced withdrawal of 12.5 per cent VAT on diapers for the elderly and 5 per cent VAT on handloom furnishing. In her speech,Dikshit termed the Budget as development-oriented and said 58 per cent allocation out of the total plan outlay of Rs 13,600 crore has been earmarked for the social sector.

There has been an increase of 21 per cent in allocation for general education,67 per cent for allocation to schemes for welfare of SC,ST,OBC and minorities,eight per cent in allocation for the Women and Child Welfare department and 10 per cent to the health sector,she said.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram