The Assam Cabinet has approved a significant increase in the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) fund, enhancing the financial resources available to legislators for development works in their constituencies. The decision was taken during the first Cabinet meeting held after the recent expansion of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led state ministry.
Under the revised arrangement, every Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) will receive an annual allocation of Rs 1.5 crore under the MLALAD scheme during the financial year 2026-27. The allocation will be further increased to Rs 2 crore per year from the financial year 2027-28 onwards.
The state government said the increase is aimed at promoting more balanced and inclusive development across Assam’s constituencies. The enhanced funding is expected to enable legislators to take up a larger number of local development projects and address infrastructure gaps more effectively at the grassroots level.
Officials said MLAs often receive requests from residents for small but important public works, including roads, community facilities, educational infrastructure and other civic amenities. The additional allocation is expected to provide greater flexibility in responding to such local requirements and improving public services in different parts of the state.
Along with the increase in funding, the Cabinet also approved amendments to the existing MLALAD guidelines. Under the revised rules, MLAs will now be allowed to utilise up to 10 per cent of their annual allocation for the procurement and distribution of eligible community, educational, cultural, sports and disability-support equipment.
The government said this provision has been introduced to help legislators extend support to various community institutions and groups that require essential equipment but may not have access to adequate resources. Educational institutions, sports organisations, cultural bodies and persons with disabilities are expected to benefit from the revised guidelines.
According to the Cabinet decision, the changes are intended to make the MLALAD scheme more responsive to local needs while giving legislators additional tools to support welfare and development initiatives in their constituencies.
The revised funding structure is also expected to strengthen community-based development efforts and improve the implementation of small-scale projects that directly benefit local residents. With higher allocations and greater flexibility in utilisation, the government hopes to accelerate constituency-level development and ensure that public needs are addressed more effectively across Assam.
