MPLADS (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Lok Sabha in 2019 have not efficiently utilized the funds allocated to them by the government through the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme compared to their predecessors.

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)

• Introduction: MPLADS was introduced by the Government of India on 23 December 1993.

o The MPLAD Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.

o It allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Objectives: Enable MPs to suggest and execute developmental works emphasizing durable asset creation.

o Address locally felt needs and contribute to community development.

• Funding:

o Each MP receives Rs. 5 crores annually since 2011-12, increased from Rs. 5 lakhs in 1993-94.

o MoSPI disburses funds to district authorities, not directly to MPs. 

o Funds are released in two installments, Rs. 2.5 crore each, and are non-lapsable.

o MPs allocate at least 15% and 7.5% of funds for SCs and STs, respectively.

• Scope:

o MPs elected to Lok Sabha: They can recommend MPLADS works within their respective constituencies.

o MPs elected to Rajya Sabha: They can recommend MPLADS works within the state of their election.

o Exceptions: An elected Member of Parliament can also recommend works anywhere in the country outside the usual region in which he/ she can recommend work above, subject to the following conditions: 

• There shall be ceiling of Rs. 25 lakhs in a financial year per Member of Parliament for all such recommendations, except in case of calamity. 
• In case of calamity, a Member of Parliament can contribute his MPLADS fund for work in affected areas as per the conditions mentioned.
• Nominated members: They can recommend MPLADS works in any district in the country.