MPLADS Scheme

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance

Why in News?

Recently, the MPLADS have been in the spotlight due to recent allegations of MPs misusing funds for works outside their constituencies.

MPLADS – It is a Central Sector Scheme under which each MP can recommend developmental works worth Rs.5 crore annually.
It is known as the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
Launched in – 1993.
Ministry – Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Objective – Creation of durable community assets such as roads, school buildings, and water facilities.

“eSAKSHI portal was launched on April 1, 2023, to provide an end-to-end solution for efficient and transparent implementation of the MPLAD scheme.”

Powers & Role of MPs – MPs identify and recommend developmental works, generally within their constituencies.
As per MPLADS Guidelines (2023) –
- MPs may recommend works up to Rs.50 lakh per financial year outside their constituency/State.
- In case of a calamity of severe nature, this limit increases to Rs.1 crore.

Lok Sabha MPs – Can recommend works within their constituencies.
Rajya Sabha MPs – Can recommend works in one or more districts of the State from which they were elected.
Nominated MPs – Can recommend works in any one or more districts in any one State of the country.
Mandate –
- Minimum 15% of works for Scheduled Caste–inhabited areas.
- Minimum 7.5% of works for Scheduled Tribe–inhabited areas.
Key Features – Sectors – The funds can be utilised across 11 specific sectors, including infrastructure, education, health and others.
Funding Nature – Fully funded by the Government of India.
Asset Creation – Emphasis on durable community infrastructure.
Trusts & Societies – Asset creation by trusts/societies allowed, subject to a prescribed ceiling and conditions.
Convergence – MPLADS works can be converged with Central/State schemes.
In that case, funds from other schemes must be used first.
MPLADS funds were released later to ensure project completion.

Implementation Mechanism – Nodal District – Each MP selects a Nodal District and informs MoSPI, the State Government, and the District Magistrate.
Fund Release – Annual entitlement released in two equal instalments. Funds are released directly to the District Authority.
Recommendation – MPs recommend work formally to the District Authority.
Execution – District Authority identifies suitable Implementing Agencies.
Responsible for timely, qualitative, and satisfactory execution.
Time-bound Process – Eligible works to be sanctioned within a specified time frame.
Rejections, if any, to be communicated to MPs with reasons.
Public Accountability – Completed works must be opened for public use immediately.
Mandatory installation of a plaque displaying scheme details and sponsoring MP.
One MP – One Idea – It is an initiative encouraging MPs to select and implement the top three innovative, community-driven development ideas annually in their constituencies.
It focuses on sectors like education, health, environment, and housing.

References