BJD MP urges MPLAD funds be given to respective state governments

Misra also said that most large economies in the world are putting in at least 10 per cent into their GDP towards fighting Corona in their countries. “For instance, USA, a $19 trillion economy, has given almost $2.3 trillion as their package. Our package, in comparison, is very small, miniscule”.

Misra’s comments were directed at the Rs 1.7 lakh crore package, unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in March, under Garib Kalyan Yojana that is expected to support unorganised sector workers, especially daily wage workers, as well as urban and rural poor.

Earlier this month, the Union Cabinet gave its nod to the temporary suspension of MPLAD Funds during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in view of the adverse impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 in India.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had said that the consolidated amount of MPLAD Funds for 2 years – Rs 7,900 crores – will go to Consolidated Fund of India. The Cabinet also approved an ordinance to reduce the salaries, allowances and pensions of Members of Parliament (MPs), including the Prime Minister, by 30 per cent for one year- the amount to be deployed in the fight against coronavirus.