In defence of MPLADS

Context: The suspension of the MPLADS for 2020­21 and 2021­22 in the wake of the pandemic has done away with the vital role of MPs.

Multiple functions of Parliament: The functions are non-exhaustive and incremental

• Political and financial control
• Supervision of administration, elicitation, and dissemination of information
• Grievance ventilation
• National integration
• Legislative and constituent functions
• Furnishing leadership to the nation

MP as a Multifunctional representative:

• Supervision of administration and legislation.
• Finding a solution to the grievance of the electorate.
• Promote the developmental aspirations of the constituency.

Critique of suspension of MPLADS

• Took away the vital leadership role of MPs: in the developmental process as an MP is the most aware of the grievances and welfare issues of his/her constituency.
• False assumption of corruption: The implementation of projects are done under the vigilance of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation which undergoes impartial auditing

• • • • 2nd installment of funds is only released when the first one is fully utilized; thus, leaving no space for corruption.
• Resumption of pork-barrel policy: 

• • • • MPLADS has been an antidote to favoritism: displayed by the Centre in disbursal of money to a particular constituency based on political consideration.
      • Snatched the opportunity for development from MPs: in a system otherwise marred with skewed development and regional imbalances. 

• Undermined aspirations of marginalized:

• MPLADS corpus has been earmarked 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST; around Rs 20 lakh per annum has been allotted to the welfare of the differently abled person.

• Undermines the prestige of MP vis a vis MLA:

• Kerala has its own Legislative Assembly Constituency Asset Development Fund having an enhanced corpus of Rs 6 Crore per annum for undertaking capital works

Conclusion: A scheme that catered to the developmental aspirations of local people, ironed out the regional imbalances, and made MPs engaged should be restored as early as possible.