Panel rejects demand to repair school toilets with MPLAD fund

A Lok Sabha committee has turned down the demand of some members that MPLAD fund be used for repairing school toilets as students avoid them due to lack of maintenance.
The committee headed by M Thambidurai has, however, recommended that electricity generators can be purchased under it for new as well as existing hospitals.
It has also recommended the government should explore ways to provide hearing aids to the needy people.
Though persons with disabilities could be served under the MPLAD scheme providing hearing aid is not allowed under it.
Rejecting the proposal that upkeep of school toilets be funded by MPLAD money, the committee has noted that it may lead to more such demands for repair and renovation of other assets created under the scheme.

Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme envisages creating new assets and leaves their maintenance to the users, state governments, in this case.
The committee tabled its fifth report in the Lok Sabha today.