According to recent data ,nearly 75% of the allocated funds to the 39 member of parliaments (MPs) in Tamil Nadu under MPLAD from 2019-2024 have not been utilized so far ..
About MPLAD:
The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a central sector scheme in India that enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend developmental works in their constituencies .
- Objective: The primary objective of MPLADS is to allow MPs to recommend projects that create durable community assets based on locally felt needs . These projects typically focus on areas such as drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, and roads .
- Funding: MPLADS is fully funded by the Government of India . Each MP receives an annual fund allocation of ₹5 crore, which is released in two installments of ₹2.5 crore each, subject to fulfilling certain conditions .
- Implementation:
- The process begins with MPs recommending specific projects to the Nodal District Authority .
- The Nodal District Authority is responsible for implementing the approved projects and maintaining records of the works executed and funds spent .
- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is responsible for policy formulation, fund release, and monitoring the scheme’s implementation .
- Types of Works:
- MPLADS funds can be used for creating durable community assets like infrastructure, electricity, and educational facilities .
- Under special circumstances, funds can also be used for non-durable assets such as computers for schools and ambulances .
- Special Provisions:
- MPs are required to recommend works in areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations, allocating at least 15% of the annual entitlement for SC areas and 7.5% for ST areas .
- Elected Lok Sabha members can recommend works within their constituencies, while Rajya Sabha members can recommend works within the state they represent . Nominated members can recommend works anywhere in the country .
- Suspension and Restoration: The scheme was temporarily suspended from April 2020 to November 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic . It was restored in November 2021, with MPs initially receiving ₹2 crore for the remaining period of fiscal year 2021-22 .
- Recent Changes: Recent changes in the rules include revisions in how interest accumulated on MPLADS funds can be used. Earlier, the interest could be used for development works recommended by the MP, but now, it must be remitted to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI) .
