Bihar MLA Voices Frustration Over Limited Authority in Utilising Development Funds
During the Question Hour in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Thursday, BJP MLA Pramod Kumar expressed deep anguish regarding the constraints faced by legislators in utilising their allocated funds. He highlighted that although each MLA has a substantial fund of Rs 4 crore under the Mukhyamantri Kshetra Vikas Yojana, they lack the proper authority to commit to essential development projects such as building toilets or libraries in schools.
MLA's Plea for Enhanced Decision-Making Power
Pramod Kumar urged the government to grant MLAs the necessary authority to utilise these funds effectively for various community needs. He specifically mentioned libraries, school toilets, renovation of ancient temples, and sports equipment for youth as areas where immediate action is required. In a candid remark, he said, "Tukur tukur takte rahte hain hujur (keep staring in the blank)," emphasising the helplessness felt by public representatives.
He pointed out that many schemes are implemented uniformly in NDA-ruled states, but Bihar is excluded from such arrangements, which he termed unfair. "If we attend a programme at a DAV school and are asked to build a toilet or a platform, we are unable to do anything. If we go to inaugurate a sports event and children demand bats and balls, we are left speechless," he lamented, reiterating that despite having Rs 4 crore, MLAs are unable to undertake such works.
Comparison with Neighbouring States and Current Restrictions
Kumar drew comparisons with neighbouring states such as Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, where schools and institutions have been developed with active support from public representatives. In contrast, he noted that in Bihar, rules prohibit MLAs from using funds for:
- Building school libraries
- Providing materials to registered institutions
- Constructing community buildings
- Beautifying temples
- Building marriage halls
- Developing Dalit settlements
Under the current framework, MLAs may only recommend works, while the concerned department takes the final decision, limiting their direct involvement in grassroots development.
Government Response and Assembly Proceedings
In response to the issue, Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav assured the House that he would look into the matter and take appropriate action. The assembly session also witnessed a lighter moment when Pramod Kumar inadvertently referred to the Speaker as a bodyguard instead of custodian, prompting laughter. He later withdrew his remark, calling it a slip of the tongue.
In another development during the session, Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar directed the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) minister to install water tanks on school rooftops to ensure adequate drinking water supply, addressing a separate but related concern for educational institutions.
The discussion underscores ongoing challenges in Bihar's governance structure, where MLAs seek greater autonomy to address local needs directly, aligning with development goals in other states.
