Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has embarked on a crusade against corruption like none of his peers across the country. Among other initiatives, he has prevailed upon his cabinet colleagues to agree to abolish the controversial MLA / MLC Local Area Development Scheme. The scheme allows legislators, in the states as well as in parliament, to recommend capital works in their constituencies. Despite repeated complaints of corruption, and demands for its abolition by eminent personalities including former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, the scheme has not only been approved by supreme court but also been sought to be strengthened by a standing committee of parliament which recommended a five-fold hike of the amount at each MP's disposal to Rs 10 crore.

While Nitish Kumar has explained his move as a necessary component of his war on corruption, there is an equally strong view that politicians can often best understand the needs of the people they represent. Therefore, the argument goes, it is helpful to have some funds at the disposal of the political representatives.

Since Nitish Kumar's move is being hailed, though, shouldn't parliament follow Bihar and abolish MPLADS?