In a significant development within the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, a demand was raised to substantially increase the discretionary health emergency fund available to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Simultaneously, the state government announced stringent new measures to combat the misuse of social media platforms.
Demand for Enhanced MLA Discretionary Fund
Samajwadi Party MLA Sangram Singh Yadav called for an urgent revision of the policy governing the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) Fund. Currently, an MLA is permitted to spend only Rs 25 lakh as a discretionary fund specifically for health emergencies. Yadav argued that this limit is outdated and should be raised to at least Rs 1 crore.
He provided a rationale for his demand, pointing out that the Rs 25 lakh provision was instituted when the total annual MLA fund stood at Rs 2.5 crore. With the fund now doubled to Rs 5 crore per year, he contended that the emergency component should also see a proportional increase to better address public needs during medical crises.
Responding to the appeal, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana directed the government to examine the matter. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna assured the House that the government would look into the demand for revising the fund allocation.
Government Cracks Down on Social Media Misuse
In a related discussion, another Samajwadi Party MLA, Hridya Narain Singh Patel, raised concerns about the rampant misuse of social media and called for stricter regulations. His concerns found support from Speaker Satish Mahana, who also emphasized the need for stringent measures to check this growing issue.
Replying to the query, Minister Suresh Khanna outlined the government's robust action plan. He revealed that uploading objectionable content or misusing social media platforms can now attract a hefty penalty of up to Rs 1 crore. Furthermore, provisions are in place for a punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment for such crimes.
Khanna detailed the structural improvements being made to tackle cybercrime. Appreciating MLA Patel for raising the issue, he informed the Assembly that the Uttar Pradesh government has established one dedicated cyber police station in every district. This is a massive expansion from the earlier scenario where only two or three such stations existed for the entire state.
"Training is being imparted to police personnel to effectively combat the menace of digital fraud and social media misuse," Khanna stated. He added that a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) level officer has been specifically deputed to oversee and deal with such crimes, ensuring high-level attention to the issue.
MLA Raises Security Concern
The proceedings took another turn when Apna Dal (S) MLA from Soharatgarh, Vinay Varma, raised an issue concerning a threat he allegedly received from a Nepali citizen. Varma attempted to speak under Rule 300 of the Assembly.
He received vocal support from opposition bench MLAs, who requested the Speaker to allow him to present his case. However, during these requests, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Mayankeshwar Singh, approached Varma's seat. He held the MLA's hand and escorted him to the seat of Minister Suresh Khanna for a discussion.
Following this interaction, Vinay Varma later stated that Suresh Khanna had assured him of appropriate action regarding his security concern.
