ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.
What is the news?
The Finance Minister has said that the funds under the MPLAD scheme (Members of Parliament Local Area Development) Scheme for 2019-20 are clear.
Note: The government of India has decided to make the MPLADS scheme non-operational for two years(2020-21 and 2021-22). These funds will be used to strengthen the Government’s efforts in managing the impact of COVID-19 in the country.
About MPLADs Scheme:
- Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme(MPLADS) is a Central Sector Scheme. It was launched in 1993.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
- Aim: The aim is to provide funds to MPs to execute certain developmental projects in their constituencies.
Note: States have their own version of this scheme with varying amounts per MLA.
Key Features of MPLAD Scheme:
- Under the scheme, an MP receives Rs. 5 crores per annum to identify and fund developmental projects.
- The funds released under the scheme are non-lapsable.
- Non-Lapsable funds should be spent within the current financial year. The next year cannot carry forward these funds.
- The role of the MP is recommendatory in nature. Local authorities carry out the implementation of the project.
- The focus of the scheme is on the creation of durable community assets like roads, school buildings, etc. Further, recommendations for non-durable assets can be made only under limited circumstances.
- Elected Members of Rajya Sabha can recommend works in the state from where they have been elected.
- Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the country.
Source: The Hindu
