EC stops MPLADS funds for poll-bound areas

The circular was sent by fax / speedpost /special messenger to the central government’s cabinet secretary and the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Tamil Nadu, Assam, MP, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, West Bengal and Puducherry where polls are scheduled in the near future. 

While such action against the MPs funds is usually taken for assembly and parliamentary polls, the move comes at a time when one assembly segment in a parliamentary constituency’s six assembly segments is likely to be affected.

The message clearly states “no fresh release of funds, under the member of parliament (including Rajya Sabha members) local area development fund, shall be made in any part of the constituency where election is in progress till the completion of the election process.” 

Thus, Thanjavur assembly segment in Thanjavur parliamentary constituency, Aravakurichi in Karur Lok Ssabha constituency and Tiruparankundaram in Virudunagar parliamentary constituency will go without MPLADs funds due to the model code of conduct being in vogue in these areas. 

The message by the election commission secretary Sumit Mukherejee clears works that have already begun under the programme but is definite about not starting works if they have not begun after passing of work orders.

While payments can be released for completed works if officials are satisfied, schemes under MPLADS can be executed as per programme, if the schemes are cleared, funds provided and procured materials have reached work sites. 

The commission has also amended the formats of form 2A (for parliamentary polls) and form 2B (for assembly elections) so that candidates furnish photographs with their nomination papers and declare their Indian citizenship. This will come into immediate effect in the polls to Thanjavur and Aravakurichi assembly polls and the Tiruparankundram by elections.