Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Scrap the scheme

This refers to the editorial "Scrap the scheme" (Dec. 22). Ever since MPLADS was introduced in 1993, many legal luminaries and decentralisation campaigners have been pointing to the unconstitutionality and unwholesomeness of the scheme. The most serious objection is the conflict of interest that arises between the role of MPs as critics and evaluators of the executive when they themselves take up executive responsibility.

In a parliamentary democracy, money for welfare activities is sanctioned for schemes approved by the House but in MPLADS, it is one individual who decides on the use of public funds and also involves himself in the implementation of the project. This affords tremendous scope for abuse.

Rajan Jha,
Patna

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Years ago, C. Subramaniam derided the funding process as unconstitutional and explained how crores of rupees would fall outside the purview of legislative scrutiny. His contention was that all expenditure should have budgetary sanction either at the State or the Central level. His prophecy has come true.

V.S. Thyagarajan,
Chennai

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MPLADS is just another scheme that offers vast scope for corruption. There is no question that it must be done away with. Surely there are other ways of developing an MP's constituency. In view of the different avenues our representatives have found for making money, it should be made mandatory for all sitting MPs to declare their assets to the Speaker every year.

K.M.G. Vivekanandam,
Madurai, T.N.

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Will exposés and similar exercises change the corrupt atmosphere that has blatant political support and involvement? And do we really need such sting operations to know the obvious? The amount of property many of our MPs acquire during their term speaks for itself. They need not be scanned through hidden cameras.

Balvinder Singh,
Chandigarh

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Did not the media find even one MP who resisted the temptation of bribe? If they did, they should give adequate publicity to him or her. It will help mitigate the general perception that all MPs are corrupt.

M.K.B. Nambiar,
Palloor, Mahe

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While bemoaning the behaviour of a few MPs, Charan Singh, former Prime Minister, said: "Mr. Churchill was not far too wrong" in saying India will be lost in political quibbles while opposing the Indian Independence Bill. The recent scandals reveal the true colour of our politicians.

R.S. John,
Chennai

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