Q. With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?

  1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
  2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
  3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
  4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • 1 and 2 only
  • 3 and 4 only
  • 1, 2 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 4 only

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

MPLADS Scheme:
  • It is a Central Sector Scheme which was announced in December 1993.
  • Objective:
    • To enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets in the areas of drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation and roads, etc. primarily in their Constituencies.
      • Since June 2016, the MPLAD funds can also be used for implementation of the schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), conservation of water through rain water harvesting and Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana, etc.
  • Implementation:
    • The process under MPLADS starts with the Members of Parliament recommending works to the Nodal District Authority.
    • The Nodal District concerned is responsible for implementing the eligible works recommended by the Members of Parliament and maintaining the details of individual works executed and amount spent under the Scheme.
    • The document ‘Guidelines on MPLADS’ was published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in June 2016, It recommended MPs to recommend works in the area with at least 15 per cent of their entitlement for the year for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste population and 7.5 per cent for areas inhabited by ST population.
    • The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year.
  • Functioning:
    • Each year, MPs receive Rs. 5 crore in two instalments of Rs. 2.5 crore each. Funds under MPLADS are non-lapsable.
    • Lok Sabha MPs have to recommend the district authorities projects in their Lok Sabha constituencies, while Rajya Sabha MPs have to spend it in the state that has elected them to the House.
    • Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the country.
MPLAD Scheme