Jung returns MLA-LAD fund hike file, seeks justification

Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has returned to the AAP government the file regarding the proposed one-time additional allocation of Rs 10 crore to each of the 70 legislators, and sought to know the justification of the hike and utilization status of the current MLA-LAD fund.
The Kejriwal government had last month proposed a 250 per cent hike in MLA Local Area Development (LAD) fund in this financial year, increasing it to Rs 14 crore from the current amount of Rs four crore.
The Urban Development Department had sent the proposal to the Lt Governor for prior approval, but he has sent it back, raising questions over the proposal, a senior government official said.

Sources said Jung's office has directed the department to provide justification for the hike besides the status of utilisation of the existing LAD funds.
Following Jung's directions, the Urban Development Department will write to its counterparts in all states seeking MLA-LAD fund details.
In 2011, the Sheila Dikshit government had increased MLA-LAD fund for each legislator from Rs 2 crore to Rs 4 crore for carrying out development works in their respective constituencies.