Your MP, your money

In the front is another board — ‘Jack And Jill Mini Nursery’. A contact number is listed in fine print.

Funds allotted to MPs are generally used to construct balwaadis, welfare centres or toilets. After construction, the structure is handed over to an NGO — preferably a local institution. In this case, though, Somaiya handed over the welfare centre to Yuvak Pratisthan — his own NGO. Then, he let out one part of the building to Madhuri Salunke, who is running the balwaadi.

The Pratisthan is buzzing with BJP members on poll duty while the nursery is shut for now for summer vacation.

‘‘The ground-floor structure existed earlier. Only the first floor has been constructed through my fund. It’s a health awareness centre run by an organisation through Yuvak Pratisthan,’’ said Somaiya. ‘‘The collector and the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority monitor the utilisation and release of funds. I don’t think that running a balwaadi is objectionable.’’

NGOs that run balwaadis constructed on MLA and MP funds charge a nominal fee of Rs 10-15 per month. The nursery, located near the Konkan Nagar slums, charges Rs 200. ‘‘If people don’t have a problem with the amount, what’s wrong?’’ says Somaiya.

Besides the fees, parents have to shell out Rs 500 as admission fee. Another Rs 100 for books. ‘‘We don’t provide uniforms. Parents have to get it on their own. But it hardly costs Rs 100,’’ Salunke said.