GUWAHATI: The Assam government has enhanced the annual allocation under the Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLALAD) Scheme from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore per MLA for the financial year 2026-27, while also expanding the list of permissible development activities under the scheme.
ALSO READ: National Cyclist Aasha Malviya Reaches Assam's Dibrugarh During Solo Cross-Country Expedition
According to a notification issued by the Transformation and Development Department on June 25, the annual allocation will be further increased to ₹2 crore per MLA from the financial year 2027-28 onwards as part of a revision to the existing MLALAD Scheme Guidelines, 2013.
The notification also introduces several new categories of works that MLAs can recommend under the scheme. Within 10 per cent of the annual allocation, funds can now be utilised for the procurement of cultural and religious community equipment, including musical instruments for public institutions such as Namghars, community halls and auditoriums. Sports equipment for schools, sports clubs and youth organisations has also been included.
Additionally, the revised guidelines permit the purchase of furniture for government schools, colleges, libraries, Anganwadi centres and other public institutions. Electrical fittings such as ceiling fans, water purifiers and lighting fixtures can also be procured for government educational institutions and public facilities.
The government has further allowed the procurement of medical equipment for government hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and other government health institutions. Assistive devices, including wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, hearing aids and educational aids for persons with disabilities, have also been added to the list of eligible activities. Other community-benefit equipment may also be approved by the administrative department, provided durable public assets are created or public benefit is established.
The notification lays down specific conditions for implementing these new provisions. Expenditure under the newly added activities cannot exceed 10 per cent of an MLA's annual allocation. Assistance meant for individual beneficiaries will be routed only through the district administration following due verification, while all procured assets must be entered into official stock and asset registers.
It also mandates that procurement be carried out strictly in accordance with government financial rules and transparency norms. No funds will be released directly to private individuals, organisations or institutions. District Commissioners and Co-District Commissioners have been entrusted with ensuring proper utilisation of funds and issuing utilisation certificates.
The revised provisions have come into force with immediate effect and will function as an addition to the existing operational guidelines of the MLALAD Scheme, 2013.