New Delhi Apr 7 (IANS): Congress leader Manish Tewari on Tuesday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to reconsider the decision to suspend the MPLADS funds for two years, saying the decision will not help the fight against Covid-19, but will only " harm" the cause.

He said that it is a knee jerk reaction to the situation as the lockdown was announced without any prior notice.

"The suspension of MPLADS funds is a bit of an overstretch, especially at this time of grave humanitarian distress which will only get worse in the months ahead," wrote Tewari.

"I think MPLADS funds need to be restored. Please re-think it once again. It is a knee jerk reaction, much like the lockdown at a four-hour notice. It will hurt the poor the most," Tewari added.

While he welcomed the government's decision to cut 30 per cent salaries of MPs, he also urged the government to reconsider its decision to suspend the MPLADS funds for two years.

He said that MPLADS is a targeted and "nimble instrument" to customise micro-level interventions to alleviate distress.

On Monday, the Union cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved a move to suspend the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for two years (2020-21 and 2021-22) and it was decided that this amount will go to the Consolidated Fund of India.

These funds will be used to strengthen the government's efforts in managing the challenges and adverse impact of Covid-19 in the country.