The names of MLAs are often encrypted in bold letters even on very small structures in our state. The message thus inscribed would shout that so-and-so MLA had constructed the structure for the people using local funds. While it remains a fact that such a structure, big or small, has not been built using the personal wealth of an MLA or an MP, the encryptions shamelessly try to convey the contrary. The same sentiment is seen in people who try to engrave their names in places of worship after making donations.
The funds are the taxes that the government has levied to use for the betterment of the people. The funds, which were first given to local bodies, were then cunningly moved under the purview of the MLA, which then became as though it was a private fund. Actually, this is just a rechristened state planning fund, not something new. While the impropriety of engraving the name of the MLA is itself disdainful, direct dispersal of funds stand contrary to decentralisation and growth of local governments. Projects should come from the people, not at the mere instigation of the MLA.
When I was campaigning for the elections, I made it clear that if elected, I would either combine funds I receive with the Gramapanchayat funds for common projects or provide funds for the local bodies to implement their projects. I also said that I would not write my name on any of these projects when completed. When I was a member of the Thrissur district Panchayat, it had taken an innovative step. Rather than implementing projects on its own, the Panchayat governing committee started to review projects from Gramapanchayat and Block Panchayats and then allotted funds to them to complete their projects.
The move helped to curb the number of projects that were abandoned midway and many projects of local bodies were completed in time. While most political parties welcomed the move, the only people who opposed the move were contractors and their leaders. In my opinion, fraud can be minimised when undertaking local body projects because those in power at the local bodies have to interact with people more frequently.
Funds should not be allotted to MLAs. On the contrary, the funds should be allotted to constituencies. Further, they need to be used only in association with projects of local body governments. That would enhance the efficient utilization of such funds. Then no MLA would want to add his or her name to a project. There were even some MLAs before who ensured that their names were written in concrete so that none would remove it later. Would any one revere an MLA who wants to be all over public property? People remember communist minister, Paloly Mohammedkutty, not because he inscribed his name on any structure that meets the eye. When he was minister, Mohammedkutty received a proposal from the central government asking him to nominate one president from the 1000 Gramapanchayats in the state to the central government's local governance core committee. He nominated the president of Congress-ruled, Adat Gramapanchayat for its decentralization initiatives. This should be the view that needs to be adopted to develop local governments. Policies should not stoop to allowing someone to spend public money as he or she prefers. Local governments must be taken into confidence and they need to be trusted. Funds should go to them than anyone else.
(The author has been elected as the MLA of Wadakkancherry)
