Mumbai: The Maharashtra state government has taken note of the pioneering, trend setting initiative of Congress MLC Architect Anant Gadgil and has now given its official approval allowing other Members of the State Legislature to utilize their MLA Local Area Development Fund (MLA-LAD Fund) for purchase of life-saving, essential medical and other ancillary equipment to control and contain the outbreak of COVID19 in the state. A Government Resolution (GR) to this effect was issued on March 27, 2020.
As per the GR issued by the Planning department, the 289 MLAs of the Legislative Assembly and 78 MLCs from the Legislative Council can utilize the Rs 3 crore MLA LAD Fund for purchase of six medical equipments and items required in government and civic run hospitals in the state. A MLA is annually allocated Rs 3 crore by way of MLA LAD Funds and a Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP is allocated Rs 5 crore MPLAD Fund for local area development works in their respective constituencies.
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The MLAs, MLCs can now allocate a maximum of Rs 50 lakhs from their MLA LAD Funds meant for 2019-20 and 2020-21, for the purchase of medical equipment and material. However, the funds will not be allowed to be used for the repairs of the equipment and other recurring expenditures.
When asked for his comments, MLC Architect Anant Gadgil stated that he was pleased that his efforts had been acknowledged by the government. Gadgil since February earlier this year has been using his LAD Funds for purchase of medical equipment and materials for government, army and civic run hospitals. Taking note of his initiative, other fellow legislators are now emulating Gadgil.
With this the MLA LAD Fund can now be used for purchase of the following medical equipment and materials – Infra-red Thermometer (Non Contact), Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Kits, Corona Testing Kits, ICU Ventilators and setting up of Isolation/Quarantine Wards, Face Masks, Gloves and Sanitizers for medical personnel and any other ancillary medical equipment needed to contain and control COVID19.
Once the legislator sanctions the allocation of the funds and the District Collector approves it, then the District Civil Surgeon, District Health Officer Zilla Parishad, Municipal Commissioner of Municipal Corporation and Chief Executive Officer of Municipal Council can place orders for purchase of the medical equipment and material.
These authorities have to make the purchases while adhering to the norms and guidelines laid down by the Public Health department, department of Medical Education and Drug Administration.
