Infrastructure in State-run schools and anganwadis and drinking water facilities in schools across the State is likely to get a boost, as the revised guidelines framed by the State government for the implementation of the Member of Legislative Assembly Constituency Development Scheme (MLACDS) have earmarked these sectors as priority areas.
As per the revised guidelines, ₹25 lakh has been earmarked for school infrastructure, ₹15 lakh for establishing reverse osmosis systems in schools and ₹20 lakh for anganwadis specifically.
Of the total allocation of ₹2.50 crore for every MLA under the MLACDS, ₹1.50 crore has been earmarked as ‘tied component,’ which has to be mandatorily allocated for the priority areas specified by the government.
A sum of ₹30 lakh has been allocated for drinking water supply and ₹60 lakh for other projects.
Installation of solar streetlights, laying of cement roads and construction of bridges, PDS shops and public parks are among the other projects specified under the tied component.
The last time such guidelines were framed, a sum of ₹20 lakh was earmarked for school infrastructure and ₹1.30 crore for other projects under the tied component.
“22% of the total allocation under the MLACDS should be made in areas predominantly inhabited by SC/ST persons in rural areas and for persons living in slums in urban areas,” a G.O. issued by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department stated.