MPLAD Scheme should be upgraded to a Legislation

Members of Parliament Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme should be converted into a legislation supported by Constitutional Amendment said Mr Shantaram Naik M.P. at Margao, today.

Mr Naik who was distributing computers, laptops and LCD Projectors to some institutions of South Goa, in Collectors off ice Margao on wednesday, said that a scheme of the nature of MPLAD which has doled out hundreds of crores to the people over the years , should not remain merely as a scheme but the scheme should be upgraded to the level of a legislation.

Mr Naik said that he was also in favour of constitutional backing for such a legislation so that it gets necessary protection from challenge. Mr Naik said that the Government of India has rightly enacted a legislation on rural unemployment, and that, there is a National Rural Development Act and a Scheme prepared under the Act, Mr Naik said. Mr Naik said that the network of Mahaiti Ghars that the Goa government proposes to establish all over the State will take the government to the door steps of the people and people will not have to go to government offices just to get a form or some information.

While admitting that computers and internet facilities are an ideal aid for the students, Mr Shantaram Naik said that parents and teachers have to guide the students against the misuse of the facilities as the Central legislation passed recently in this regards provides for stringent punishment for visiting prohibited sites.

Additional Collector Shri P Acharya addressing the beneficiaries said that MPLAD is a most useful scheme and that needy have been befitted under the scheme. He praised Mr Naik for meticulously using the funds for common good.

Maria Bambino School, Cuncolim, RMS Higher Secondary School, Margao,Konkani Bhasha Mandal, Margao, Navneet Vachanalaya, Fatorpa and Margao Seva Association, Margao, received various electronic items from Mr Naik.

Shri Altinho Gomes, General Secretary of GPCC welcomed the beneficiaries and compered the proceedings of the function. Shri Damodar Korgaonkar, Secretary GPCC proposed a vote of thanks.