On Thursday, the Odisha Assembly witnessed raucous scenes as legislators from all parties demanded an increase in the Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLALAD) Fund.
BJD MLA Sanjeeb Mallick raised the issue in the House, saying, “Rs 3 crore is allotted for MLA-LAD fund.” “Of the Rs 3 crore, Rs 2 crore is for miscellaneous expenses, and Rs 50 lakh each is for education and road construction.”
The legislator demanded that the Rs 2 crore allocation for general expenses be increased to Rs 3 crore.
Similarly, Opposition Chief Whip Mohan Majhi has demanded that the MLA-LAD fund be increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore.
“The MLA-LAD fund is critical to meeting people’s needs.” As a result, I requested an increase from Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore. Other MLAs have also supported the demand,” Majhi said.
“Many other states have increased the fund to Rs 5 crore or higher.” As a result, Odisha should increase the fund as well,” the BJP leader added.
In response to MLAs’ demands, Minister for Planning and Convergence Rajendra Dholakia stated, “At this time, there is no plan to increase the MLA-LAD fund.” The decision to increase the amount will be made at the appropriate time.”
Prasanta Patnaik 
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