“How accurate is the BJP government’s assertion of corruption-free governance? MLAs may provide insights.”
Raigarh. (19:03): Popular MLA Om Prakash Chaudhary, who garnered historic votes and subsequently became the Finance Minister after winning the Raigarh Assembly elections, recently allocated Rs 66 lakh 8 thousand to 2172 beneficiaries from his voluntary donation fund. The assistance provided encompassed educational support for students, self-employment aid, and medical treatment for others. Reports indicate that the funds were directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts, garnering positive coverage in various newspapers and news portals.
However, questions have emerged regarding the distribution of voluntary grants. Speculation arises as to whether the funds were allocated solely to deserving individuals or if proximity to the MLA or Finance Minister played a role. Some anomalies in the distribution list, such as granting 3/3 thousand rupees for higher education, have raised eyebrows.
According to the Voluntary Grant Rules 2019, Chief Ministers and Ministers can approve a minimum of Rs 2000 from this fund. The Chief Minister can allocate a maximum of Rs 5 lakh to any individual or organization, while Ministers can allocate up to Rs 40 thousand. Furthermore, it is mandatory to report the acceptance of funds to the government to prevent duplicate allocations.
The rules stipulate that funds cannot be allocated to purely political or religious institutions but can be utilized for various societal needs, including education, sports, and healthcare.
Opinions on the distribution list vary among student groups. While some express skepticism about the fairness of allocations, others attribute responsibility to the general administration, highlighting past occurrences of mismanagement under different political regimes.
In essence, while questions may arise regarding the allocation of voluntary grants, it is essential to maintain transparency and adhere to established protocols to ensure equitable distribution.
