Recently, a controversy broke out over the use of MPLADS funds.
- According to critics, MPLADS funds are inefficiently utilized, diverted and poorly monitored and the scheme should be discontinued.
About MPLADS
- Type: Central Sector Scheme launched in 1993.
- Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is responsible for prescribing guidelines for implementation.
- Objective: To enable the Members of Parliament to recommend works for creation of durable community assets like drinking water, sanitation, etc. based on locally felt needs.
- Implementing Agency: Govt. departments, trusts, and cooperatives selected by Implementing District Authority (IDA) to execute MPLADS work.
- Funds Allocation: Each MP is entitled to ₹5 crore per annum
- Lok Sabha MPs can recommend works in their Lok Sabha constituencies.
- Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend works within the state of election.
- Nominated members can recommend works anywhere in the country.
- Special provisions for fund allocation to SC/ST Population
- MPs shall recommend at least 15% of MPLADS funds for SC-inhabited areas and 7.5% for ST-inhabited areas every year.
- If LS constituency has fewer tribals: Then MPLAD fund may be utilized in areas predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Castes and vice-versa.
- Non-lapsable fund: The funds not released in a particular year are carried forward for release in the subsequent years.
- Exceptions: MPs can recommend 25 lakh/year outside their region. In a calamity, MPs can recommend up to 1 crore for the affected district.
