Sometime ago, I called on the Government to provide constitu-ency funds for MPs and councillors so they can better represent their districts or meet pressing urgent needs of constituents. The developed world and even poor countries like India provide funds to MPs and members of legislative assemblies to address constituency needs.
I am heartened to read that the PM has stated that the Cabinet has suggested that a constituency fund be established in all 41 constituencies. This will hopefully provide for effective representation as MPs will no longer have justifiable excuses for not servicing constitu-ents.
We also need the same for the councillors of the local bodies as they also are required to service constituents. Almost all of them have done a woeful job neglecting and even abusing constituents. In addition, there should be a fund for special developmental projects that should be placed under the direct supervision of a local group chosen by the people.
This would prevent the abuse or misuse of the funds and increase accountability. It would also take "politics" out of the suggested project geared for the benefit of the people instead of the MP, councillor, friends, families or cronies.
Vishnu Bisram
Via e-mail
