In defence of MPLADS

The Hindu 17th June 2020 Save

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.