Rs 1,000 crore not enough for camp office: MLAs

Hyderabad: MLAs cutting across party lines on Thursday sought increase in funds for construction of camp offices-cum-residences for them in headquarters of all Assembly constituencies. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had decided to construct camp offices with all facilities for MLAs and visitors in all constituencies last year so that it would be convenient for people to meet them. Mr Rao approved Rs 1 crore for each constituency for the purpose. While the work has begun in all the constituencies, most of the buildings are only partially completed for want of funds.

In the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, MLAs pointed out that Rs 1 crore was insufficient to complete the buildings as per the approved design and it should be increased to at least Rs 1.50 crore. Many of the buildings lack approach roads, compound walls, and furniture and all this could not be covered in the Rs 1 crore allotted. TRS MLAs said the semi-completed buildings were not serving any purpose and they should be allowed to spend additional money from their constituency development fund.

Minister for roads and buildings, Tummala Nageshwar Rao, said, “The government has no objection if MLAs want to spend the additional amount from the CDF for furniture and other facilities in camp offices. We are aiming to complete all the buildings by December-end.” Mr Rao said buildings in 38 constituencies have been completed and others are in varying stages of completion.  “In the city, no camp offices will be built as the construction of the new MLA quarters has been completed with all facilities and city MLAs will be allotted camp offices in these quarters,” Mr Rao added.