NEW DELHI: The CAG report has exposed many gaps and irregularities in the implementation of the MLA Local Area Development Scheme ( MLALADS ). Although the scheme is meant for creating durable assets, 60% of funds in 3,160 works involving expenditure of Rs 277.4 crore were spent on the upkeep and improvement of existing assets. Also, Rs 61.9 crore was spent on 585 works not specified in the guidelines.

The CAG has revealed that the urban development department sanctioned 248 works worth Rs 39.9 crore without ensuring that pre-requirements under MLALADS were met.

It entrusted 133 streetlighting works to discoms during 2009-14 without routing the requisitions through road-owning agencies. Discoms were paid Rs 23.9 crore in advance without signing any agreement.

Execution of works was marred by several other irregularities such as excess expenditure, unauthorized cancellation or closing of sanctioned works, delay in award and completion of works, and award of works without calling of tenders.

Other wasteful works included installation of gates — not permitted under MLALADS — and semi-high mast lights and benches for locations other than those specified in the guidelines although these were "20 times costlier than the commonly used streetlights and consume 10 times more electricity." CAG had pointed out these anomalies in previous reports, yet the urban development department continued to sanction such works.

MLALADS was introduced in Delhi to enable MLAs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies. However, the scheme guidelines lacked clarity and there was lack of transparency in the implementation of the scheme.

Several revisions further diluted the guidelines, particularly regarding checks on duplication of works, selection of agencies, monitoring mechanism, and future maintenance of assets.

The urban development department limited its role to sanctioning and releasing funds for works recommended by MLAs, leaving room for inadmissible works to be sanctioned. The department also did not maintain asset and stock registers for assets created under the scheme.

