The Assam Government has increased the annual allocation under the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) Scheme from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore per legislator for the 2026–27 financial year. The allocation is set to rise further to Rs 2 crore per MLA annually from the 2027–28 fiscal onwards, according to an official notification.
The decision was approved by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed the move in a post on X, highlighting the phased enhancement of funds aimed at boosting local development initiatives.
The revised allocation was formally notified by the Transformation and Development Department Assam through an order issued on June 25, 2026, amending the existing MLALAD Scheme Guidelines, 2013.
Alongside the increase in funds, the government has expanded the range of permissible works under the scheme. Up to 10 per cent of the annual allocation can now be utilised for procuring cultural and religious community equipment, musical instruments for public institutions, sports equipment for schools and youth clubs, furniture for government educational institutions and public facilities, and essential electrical items such as ceiling fans, water purifiers, and lighting fixtures. Medical equipment for government healthcare institutions has also been included.
The amended guidelines further allow the purchase of assistive devices for persons with disabilities, including wheelchairs, tricycles, walking aids, crutches, hearing aids, and educational support devices. Additional community welfare equipment may also be approved by the administrative department, provided it results in durable public assets or offers clear public benefit.
To ensure accountability, the notification prescribes strict safeguards. Expenditure on these newly permitted activities cannot exceed 10 per cent of the total annual allocation. Assistance to individual beneficiaries will be routed exclusively through district administrations following due verification.
The order also mandates that all procured assets be recorded in official stock registers and that procurement processes adhere strictly to government financial rules. It explicitly prohibits the direct release of funds to private individuals or organisations.
District Commissioners and Co-District Commissioners have been tasked with overseeing the proper utilisation of funds and issuing utilisation certificates. The amended provisions have come into immediate effect.
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