EC bars release of funds in poll-bound states

New Delhi, Mar 2: The Election Commission today (Mar 3, 2006) directed officials of central as well as state governments not to release funds under the Member of Parliament Local Areas Development (MPLAD) in any part of the country, where election is in progress.

In a communication to Cabinet Secretary, Department of Programme Implementation Secretary, Chief Secretaries of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Pondicherry, the EC said no fresh release of funds under MLAs/MLCs local area development shall be made, if any such scheme is in operation in the state.

The Commission restricted the commencement of work where necessary orders were issued before the enforcement of the model code of conduct but actual work on ground has not started yet.

The work in respect of such projects can start after the completion of the election process, the letter said.

However, the Commission has allowed continuation of work which has already started. There will be no bar on the release of payments for completing such work subject to the full satisfaction of concerned officials, the letter said.

UNI