ERNAKULAM : Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday criticised the union government for annulling the parliamentary members' Local Area Development Scheme, commonly known as MPLads, over the covid-19 crisis, saying it can weaken timely response to the virus outbreak.
The MPLads help MPs to directly fund developmental work in their constituencies. "The decision goes against India's federal principles," Vijayan said. "MPLads rightfully belongs to the people in the constituencies.
It should not be used to raise resources by the center," he said. In a series of tweets, Vijayan explained his reservations against the move. "We welcome the Union Govt's decision to cut the salaries and pensions of MPs by 30%.