Shillong,July 16: A proposal is pending with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to increase MLAs’ discretionary grant from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.
South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai on Tuesday stressed the need of increasing the amount as this will help the MLAs to help the needy.
Speaking to reporters, Shullai said, “During my first term as MLA in 2008, the fund was only Rs 3 lakh, later it was enhanced to Rs 5 lakh and now it is has increased to Rs 10 lakh annually. Recently, during meeting with Speaker in the presence of CM and deputy CM I have suggested to increase up to Rs 20 lakh from 2025.”
He said the fund is meant for MLAs to provide immediate financial assistance to people, who need help, in their respective constituencies.
“All MLAs need to submit utilisation certificates with bills etc in order to get the funds,” Shullai said.
“It is the prerogative of each MLA to utilize the funds for the people of their respective constituencies or beyond their constituencies”.
He said the MLAs cannot say that they cannot provide financial assistance to the people.
“The sole objective of discretionary grant provided to all 60 MLAs is to provide immediate financial support to the people.
If the MLAs do not want to utilize the fund, they can write to the legislative Assembly, mentioning that he/she does not require the fund,” he added.
