MPLAD fund suspension gross injustice to MPs, needs rethink: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

Kolkata: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Monday termed as "gross injustice" towards public representatives the Centre's decision to temporarily suspend the MPLAD fund scheme, and said the move was testimony of the fact that the country is heading towards financial emergency. Chowdhury, the leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, said the government can cut down more on salaries of MPs, but it should "rethink" its decision over MPLAD fund.

The Union Cabinet on Monday approved an ordinance to reduce the salaries of Members of Parliament (MPs) by 30 per cent for one year and the amount will be utilised in the fight against coronavirus.

The Cabinet also approved temporary suspension of the MPLAD (Member of Parliament local Area Development) fund scheme during 2020-21 and 2021-22.


"Suspension of MPLAD fund is a gross injustice towards the representatives of people as well as the voters, as the MPs enjoy the autonomy of spending the fund for development..., according to demands of the common voters," Chowdhury said in a statement.

"You may reduce more from our salary but rethink over MPLAD fund," the five-term MP from Beharampore Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, said.

The decision of the government also "amply proves that the country is heading towards a financial emergency", he added.