Govt considering making MPs part of project vigilance panels

Government is "positively considering" making MPs co-chairpersons of project vigilance committees in urban areas on the lines of rural areas in order to make these panels more accountability.
Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said in Lok Sabha that after the end of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewable Mission on March 31, 2014, states have been asked to take care of unfinished projects.
He said after the recommendations of the Finance Commission were implemented, states have been earmarked more funds. "They have become rich and I have become poor," he said in a lighter vein.
With the increase in fund devolution to states, the state governments have more resources at their disposal to complete the schemes.

"During the current financial year, for new schemes on 100 Smart Cities and New Urban Development Mission, extensive consultations with state governments and various stakeholders were done. The schemes are in final stages of design and will be launched soon," he said.
Responding to a supplementary by a Congress member, the Minister said the government is "positively considering" making MPs co-chairpersons of project vigilance committees in urban areas on the lines of rural areas.
His statement was greeted by members, cutting across party lines.