Coronavirus: Puducherry MP urges Lok Sabha speaker to release second instalment of MPLAD funds

PUDUCHERRY: V Vaithilingam, the lone Lok Sabha (LS) member from the Union territory of Puducherry, has urged the LS speaker to release the second instalment of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) funds for fiscal year 2019-20.
In a memorandum to the speaker, Vaithilingam said he allotted Rs 66 lakh under MPLAD funds to Puducherry government for purchasing ambulances to strengthen healthcare machinery in order to combat Covid-19.However, the Centre did not release the second instalment of the fund.
Vaithilingam pointed out that he had allotted Rs 36 lakh from the first instalment of Rs 2.5 crore for purchasing ventilators. He argued that withholding the second instalment of the Rs 2.5 crore will stall the purchase of ambulances.
The MP opined that the purpose of MPLAD scheme would be lost if funds are blocked for two years. Launched in 1993, the scheme focuses on development works based on local needs.
"I suggest the release of MPLAD fund for these two years. In my view, blocking funds will only lead to public criticising the government," Vaithilingam added.