MPLAD SCHEME

Why in news?

Recently, The Union Government has published a updated guidelines to broaden the scope of the MPLAD Scheme.

More on news:

• Under the Revised Guidelines, Hon’ble MPs have been given the flexibility in choosing the works that can be taken up under MPLAD Scheme provided it leads to creation of durable public assets for larger public good of the society.
• The Hon’ble MPs will not be required to wait for the actual fund to be released by the Ministry before recommending new projects as they will be allocated annual drawing limits at the beginning of each financial year subject to certain conditions.
• The entire process of fund flow will operate on an IT platform which will allow all the stakeholders, including Hon’ble MPs, the Central and State Govt. agencies, the district authorities etc. to monitor the status of funds and works on real time basis.
• All redundant provisions have been done away with and several new provisions have been incorporated.

About MPLAD Scheme:

• Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a scheme formulated by Government of India on 23 December 1993 that enables the members of parliaments (MP) to recommend developmental work in their constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.
• Initially, this scheme was administered by Ministry of Rural Development. Later, in October 1994, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) has been looking into its working.
• Elected Members of Rajya Sabha representing the whole of the State as they do, may select works for implementation in one or more district(s) as they may choose.
• Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may also select works for implementation in one or more districts, anywhere in the country.
• MPs can also recommend work of up to Rs. 25 lakhs per year outside their constituency or state of election to promote national unity, harmony and fraternity.
• MPs can recommend work of up to 25 lakh for Natural Calamity in the state and up to Rs. 1 crore in the country in case of Calamity of Severe Nature (e.g. Tsunami, major cyclones and earthquakes).
• A State level nodal department is chosen, which is responsible for supervision and monitoring and maintaining coordination with line departments.

 

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1911166