The Kerala Government’s move to tweak Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) rules — allowing the State Minister instead of the Member of Parliament to inaugurate the ceremonies related to rural roads has irked the Centre.
Making it clear to the Oommen Chandy Government that it is the lok Sabha MP and not the State Minister who has a key role in successful implementation of the PMGSY projects, the Union Rural Development Ministry has asked it to strictly comply with the circular pertaining to the centrally sponsored scheme to ensure mandatory participation of the elected representative from the region in such events.
The move follows complaints from Kerala MPs who alleged that they were being ignored by the Chandy Government in the PMGSY projects in the State.
Though it’s nearly two years when the Chandy Government had issued an order stipulating that the State Minister will inaugurate such function which will be presided over by the local MP, it is only recently that the Centre has asked the Kerala Government to follow the rules
It is in contrast to the Centre’s 2011 order which states that lS MP and all elected representatives associated with the programme should be duly invited to the foundation laying and inauguration ceremonies.
“The foundation stone for a PMGSY road should be laid and the road should also be inaugurated by the MP (lok Sabha) with the function presided over by the local minister or other dignitary as per state protocol,” the letter written by P Manoj Kumar, director (RC) from the RD Ministry said.
To ensure that the rules are implemented in earnest, the Ministry also asked the state government that while sending new projects for approval, digital photograph of the recent foundation laying ceremony or the inauguration of the road by the MP should be enclosed.
And in case he is not able to attend the function, copies of the letter inviting him should also be appended with the new detailed project reports of the new projects, the letter added.
The MP should also be informed of the inclusion/non-inclusion of their proposals along with the reasons given in each case in the event of non-inclusion, the circular says.