Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh : BJP approaches Himachal Governor over suspension of MLA Local Area Development Fund
BJP legislators, led by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, on Friday submitted a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, seeking the immediate restoration of the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) Fund and the release of discretionary grants allocated to legislators.
BJP legislators, led by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, on Friday submitted a memorandum to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, seeking the immediate restoration of the MLA Local Area Development (LAD) Fund and the release of discretionary grants allocated to legislators.
The BJP MLAs expressed strong resentment over the state government releasing only 50 per cent of the sanctioned LAD funds, despite provisions being made in the budget. They also alleged inordinate delays in the release of discretionary funds meant for MLAs.
“There is a deliberate attempt by the government to stall development works in constituencies represented by BJP MLAs, which is against the spirit of democracy and balanced development across the state,” Jai Ram Thakur said. He urged the Governor to intervene and direct the state government to ensure the timely release of funds.
The BJP legislators further alleged that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) related to priority schemes proposed by Opposition MLAs were not being processed for forwarding to NABARD, thereby obstructing development initiatives at the grassroots level.
The issue is expected to figure prominently during the planning meeting convened by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu with all MLAs, scheduled for today and tomorrow.
Referring to the monsoon disaster last year, BJP MLAs said the non-availability of LAD funds had prevented them from assisting affected families or fulfilling commitments made to their constituents during relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The decision to approach the Governor was taken during a BJP Legislature Party meeting held in Shimla on Thursday night. The MLAs stated that the discontinuation of the MLA LAD Fund since October 2025, along with the stoppage of discretionary grants, had severely curtailed their ability to support the poor and needy, particularly in cases related to medical assistance and small development works.
Meanwhile, the BJP has not yet taken a final call on attending the special Assembly session scheduled for February 17, which has been convened to discuss the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) to Himachal Pradesh by the 16th Finance Commission.
