MPLAD stands for Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme. It is a government initiative in India that aims to develop the local areas of a parliamentary constituency through the implementation of various projects and schemes. The scheme was first launched in 1993 and has since been a significant tool for the development of rural and urban areas across India.
The MPLAD scheme provides funds to Members of Parliament (MPs) to undertake development work in their constituencies. The funds are released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, in the form of an annual grant of ₹5 crores per MP. The primary objective of the scheme is to create durable community assets based on the locally felt needs in the areas of health, education, sanitation, and rural development. The MPs are responsible for identifying and prioritizing the areas of development and implementing the projects in consultation with the concerned district authorities. The MPLAD scheme has been successful in bridging the development gap between urban and rural areas by bringing about equitable distribution of resources. The scheme has also been instrumental in creating job opportunities, improving the quality of life of people, and promoting social harmony. One of the significant advantages of the MPLAD scheme is that it provides a platform for MPs to connect with their constituents and address their concerns. The scheme has also helped in building trust and confidence between the people and the government, thereby promoting participatory governance. However, there have been some criticisms of the MPLAD scheme. Critics argue that the scheme has often been used for political gains, and the implementation of projects has not always been transparent. There have also been instances where the funds have been misused leading to a wastage of public resources. To address these concerns, the government has recently made some changes to the MPLAD scheme. For example, the funds will now be released directly to the district authorities, and the MPs will only act as facilitators for the implementation of projects. This change is expected to ensure more transparency and accountability in the implementation of projects. The fund has been made non-lapsable. It means, the sanctioned funds will be carried forward to the next year if it remain under-utilized. Further, the district administration will inspect 10% of the works executed in order to ensure compliance at ground level. In conclusion, the MPLAD scheme has been a vital tool for the development of local areas in India. While there have been some criticisms of the scheme, the government’s recent changes are expected to address these concerns and make the scheme more effective. The MPLAD scheme has the potential to bring about significant positive changes in the lives of people, and it is crucial to ensure that it is implemented in a transparent and accountable manner. 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 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:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Answer: (d)
S1: This is the basic mandate behind the creation of the fund. Hence, S1 is correct.
S2: A common statement, usually a portion of the fund is reserved for the vulnerable community to ensure inclusive development. S2 is correct.
S3: MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds do not lapse. S3 is wrong.
S4. The work is executed by the district administration and the district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year. Hence, S4 is correct. Important Links