News:The government has issued a circular granting one-time dispensation for utilizing funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to address the challenges in the fight against COVID-19.
Facts:
MPLADS is a central sector scheme.
Aim:To provide funds to MPs to execute certain developmental projects to meet the urgent needs of their constituents. Ex-drinking water facilities, education,etc
Features
An MP is entitled to Rs. 5 crore per annum to identify and fund developmental projects. The Fund is non – lapsable.
The role of the MP is only recommendatory in nature. The implementation of the project is done by local authorities.
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.
Implementation:Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation