Karnataka's infra scheme: MLAs get 25% fund use discretion

Bengaluru: The government has given lawmakers discretion to decide how 25% of funds should be spent under a new infrastructure development programme for which Rs 3,000 crore has been set aside this year.

The finance department has issued guidelines for implementing the new Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Programme (CMIDP) under which 75% funds are tied to developing infrastructure like roads and bridges in every Assembly constituency. The remaining 25% is for the MLA to decide.

In any case, the works worth 75% will be those recommended by MLAs, but confined to parameters laid down by the finance department.

The new programme might help CM Siddaramaiah placate Congress lawmakers, some of whom have criticised their own government for lack of grants. In his Budget, the CM said CMIDP will be launched with Rs 8,000 crore.

According to budget documents, the government has provisioned Rs 3,000 crore this fiscal: Rs 1,500 crore for public works, Rs 900 crore for the rural development department and Rs 600 crore for urban development department.

The finance department has specified that funds under the CMIDP should be used only for the development of district roads, state highways, rural roads, bridges, drainages and drinking water facilities.

Works under the CMIDP will be designed, implemented and overseen by a deputy commissioner-led committee in every district. Those exceeding Rs 10 crore will require Cabinet approval.

Chief Minister’s Economic Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddi expressed confidence that the CMIDP would make MLAs happy. “MLAs are going to get good money under this,” he told DH. 

All works under CMIDP must be tendered, the finance department has said. Splitting up works to avoid due process is prohibited. Administrative approvals must be given before July 31 and tenders floated by August 15, the finance department has said.