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Journalism of Courage
MUMBAI, Aug 18: In yet another example of crossing limits while implementing the model code of conduct for elections, the Election Commission of India has issued orders bringing ongoing projects under the Local Area Development Scheme to a grinding halt.
The EC has not only halted execution of work for projects that have already been approved but has also asked for staying the payments towards work done under ongoing projects. This, say officials in Mantralaya, would unnecessarily affect small projects like construction of a public lavatory, laying an arterial road, erecting a water tank or installing handpumps.
This clause, say officials will create problems for the small contractors as well as government departments like the Public Works Department, which undertakes small projects. Importantly, execution of these projects is directly under the control of the district collector, who okays the project on strong public demand and available infrastructure. In municipal limits, these projects support the development plan of respective municipal corporation. In most of the cases, the funds help the civic bodies as their budgets fall short to reach the required amount for the project.
While an MP gets Rs 1 crore per annum, an MLA/MLC gets Rs 65 lakhs towards development fund. If a project has been started with financial assistance from three or four MLAs or a couple of MPs, the fund does make a substantial amount. It is important to note that the fund is given to all MPs, MLAs and MLCsirrespective of their parties.
The EC further says, 8220;No work may be started for which the work order has been issued before the issue of this letter, but the work has actually not started in the field. These can be started after completion of election process.8221; According to the officials, this clause will affect the plans of the local self governments as various small projects are time bound. The civic bodies set themselves a deadline for these projects and chalk out the rate at which the contractor is to be paid. The cost of the project escalates in direct proportion to the delay, the officials point out.
8220;If a road is being constructed and no money is released, the work will halt and the public will have to use a half-dug road. If a public lavatory is halfway through and the work is halted, the people will use whatever structure is available, spreading filth,8221; said an official.
State Chief Electoral Officer, Dr D K Sankaran, however, said it was a usual practice to stall grants for such work.8220;The code of conduct is being implemented in a fair spirit and there is no intention to unnecessarily halt the projects. The EC directives will be implemented strictly,8221; he emphasised.
