Don't name assets under MPLAD after eminent persons:Par Panel

A Parliamentary panel has shot down the Statistics Ministry's proposal to name assets created under MPLAD scheme after eminent personalities, national icons or freedom fighters.
The panel is of the "firm view that the existing guidelines which prohibit naming of assets created under Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme after any person may continue and there is no need for any change in the guidelines", said Committee on MPLAD scheme, headed by AIADMK leader M Thambi Durai, in its report tabled in Lok Sabha.
It further said: "MPLAD scheme works are meant for fulfilling locally felt needs of the people. In case any provision is made for naming of those assets, demands may arise from different sections to name the assets after the person of their choice. Moreover, there may be political motivation in naming of assets."

In another suggestion, it said there is absolutely no necessity for a separate committee to fix user charges for ambulance purchase under the MPLAD scheme to transport sick or injured animals.
The panel recommended that the 3-member committee empowered to examine the recommendations of MPs to purchase ambulances for animals should also be empowered to fix user charges.
At present the three member panel headed by district magistrate, chief medical officer and chief veterinary officer examine such proposal of the MPs.
However, as per guidelines of the scheme, the user charges will be fixed by the district authority on the recommendations of an appropriately formed committee who would also be responsible to ensure that the charges so fixed are reasonable and affordable.

The panel pointed out that it does not appreciate the decision of the ministry to leave the process of fixation of user charges to another committee when there is a Committee to take decision on purchase of ambulances. Moreover, the composition of that committee has not been defined by the ministry.