Odisha: BJP MLAs want broader use of MLA LAD fund on Covid management

Bhubaneswar: Demanding robust healthcare infrastructure in rural areas of Odisha to tackle subsequent waves of Covid-19, BJP MLAs in the State urged the government to amend the guidelines on spending of MLA LAD fund.

In a representation submitted to the Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker SN Patro and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, ten MLAs of the saffron party requested for early consideration on amendment of guidelines or circular on spending of MLA LAD fund. They alleged in the letter that the state government is yet to strengthen the healthcare facilities at Sub divisional hospitals, CHC and PHCs which was the reason why there have been so many Covid positive cases during the second wave.

They want inclusion of expenses towards setting up of Covid Isolation room, special Covid care room for pediatric group and oxygen and ventilator bed to be covered from MLA LAD fund. Also, ambulances with oxygen and ventilator facilities at sub-divisional hospitals, CHCs and PHCs, medical equipment or kit for Covid diagnosis and management and oxygen plant at SDH and CHC should be funded by MLA LAD fund, the letter mentioned.

Worth mentioning, the State government has already allowed MLAs to spend up to Rs 50 lakh from MLA LAD fund on purchase of mask, PPE kit and gloves.

The ten BJP MLAs who submitted the representation to the Speaker and the Chief Minister are Mukesh Mahaling, Liosingha MLA; Mohan Charan Majhi, MLA, Keonjhar Sadar; Bhabani Shankar Bhoi, Talsara MLA; Nauri Nayak, Rengali MLA; Kusum Tete, Sundargarh MLA; Naba Charan Majhi, Rairangpur MLA; Budhan Murmu, Sarasakana MLA; Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, Brahmagiri MLA; Shankar Oram, Biramitrapur MLA and Subash Panigrahi, Deogarh MLA.