MARGAO
South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha on Monday asserted that the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme has no provision for the upkeep and maintenance of the projects executed under the scheme.
He has made it clear that MPLAD projects are sanctioned upon written request from the local bodies including Municipalities and Panchayats, adding that it is the responsibility of these bodies to look after the upkeep and maintenance of the MPLAD projects.
When the media drew his attention to the defunct CCTV cameras in Margao which were installed under his MPLAD scheme, Sardinha shot back saying the MPLAD scheme has no provision for upkeep and maintenance of projects, adding that responsibility of maintaining the projects rests with the local panchayat and municipal bodies.
The MP told the media that he has never lagged behind in raising issues in Parliament which has been affected the people of Goa and the state.
Saying he has always used the platform in Parliament to highlight the issues plaguing Goa, including double tracking project, MPA jurisdiction and coal handling, besides the bypass issue.
The South Goa MP said he has utilized the funds sanctioned for his South Goa Parliamentary constituency under the MPLAD scheme, saying, “I am waiting for the last installment to come so that additional works can be taken up before the current term of Lok Sabha ends early next year.”
Demanding justice for the deceased and the injured in the Banastarim accident, the South Goa MP said the drive of the car which was involved in the accident should get the punishment as per the law.
