MANEESH CHHIBBER: You were chairman of the committee that probed the cash-for-query issue. Thereafter, we saw money being flashed in the Lok Sabha just before the confidence vote last July. What steps are you taking to ensure that money does not change hands?

When I was chairman of the select committee constituted to look into allegations against some members who were charged with accepting financial considerations for raising questions in Parliament, it was a very difficult time in my political career—we had to take the decision to recommend the expulsion of 11 members from the House. That decision was taken to set a precedent that should serve as a deterrent to members in the future. Then the bundles of currency notes were brought into the House, they were put on the table of the House. Such a practice is not acceptable in a democratic set up.

RAVISH TIWARI: What is your personal view on the proposal to increase the MPLAD funds?

I think if an MP uses this discretion judiciously, he plays an important role in the development of his area. Strictly going by the book, MPs and MLAs have no executive function to perform. But in a society like ours, you cannot divide functions so strictly. When MPs go to their constituencies, people expect them to perform those functions that are not their defined functions. If some discretion is given to the MPs or MLAs to spend some money for the development of the area, it’s not a bad idea. How they spend the money depends on the individuals. The MPLAD funds mean that an MP has the right to prioritise work in his constituency which entails costs of up to Rs 2 crore a year. The MPLAD money is part of the Plan Expenditure. If the Finance Minister announces it as part of the Budget, it will happen.

... contd.