Mandya: When MP.Ramya floated the ‘One MP One Idea’ initiative, inviting ideas from general public for the overall development of Mandya district, it received wide appreciation from all quarters.

About 115 enthusiastic civilians had even submitted proposals/ideas for development before December 31. However nothing really came out of it, as the MP failed to announce the results in time. Now with the poll code of conduct in place, these ideas will not see the light of the day.

According to the announcement made, three best ideas were to be awarded with a cash prize. However, with the failure to announce the same on time, the idea has turned out to be a damp squib.

Residents of the district who have their own practical ideas do not have a platform to air it. But they were enthused when Ramya announced the ‘One MP One Idea’ initiative with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh, Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs One lakh, respectively, for the winners.

A selection committee member said that the application had a questionnaire of 14 questions, out of which, the first 13 had to be filled in compulsorily.  More than 90 applications were rejected as they lacked proper information, he said.

Former deputy commissioner of Mandya B N Krishnaiah said that a seven-member committee was formed comprising the DC for the selection of the proposals. All the applications were verified and a final list was also made.

Sources said that since Ramya had disbursed the MPLAD funds to various other works, it had resulted in the shortage of funds for the initiative. Hence the results had to be withheld, the sources added. Several attempts to contact MP Ramya by this paper proved futile.