Recently, the Union Cabinet has given its approval for the restoration of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). The revival of the scheme will be effective for the remainder of the Financial Year 2021-22 and will continue up until 2025-26. This decision coincides with the period of the 15th Finance Commission. It’s worth noting that the MPLADS had been suspended for two consecutive financial years – 2020-21 and 2021-22.
MPLADS: A Brief Overview
Launched in December 1993, the MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme that provides Members of Parliament (MPs) with the financial means to recommend developmental works in their respective constituencies. The main focus of these works lies in the creation of durable community assets, primarily in areas such as drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, and roads.
Expanded Scope since 2016
In June 2016, the framework of MPLADS was expanded to include funds for the implementation of schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), conservation of water through rainwater harvesting, and Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana.
Implementation Process
The implementation of MPLADS starts with MPs recommending suitable developmental works to the Nodal District Authority. Subsequently, the Nodal District takes charge of executing the recommended projects and maintains a record of individual works completed and the expenditure incurred under the scheme.
How MPLADS Functions
Each year, MPs receive Rs. 5 crore in two instalments of Rs. 2.5 crore each under MPLADS. These funds are non-lapsable. Lok Sabha MPs are obligated to recommend projects in their constituencies to the district authorities, while Rajya Sabha MPs have to allocate their funds within the state that elected them. Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have the freedom to recommend works anywhere in the country.
Significance of Restoring MPLADS
The restoration of MPLADS is crucial for addressing the developmental aspirations and demands of local communities. It aids in the creation of durable community assets – a primary objective of the scheme. Moreover, it also plays a significant role in reviving the local economy.
Issues with MPLADS
Despite its benefits, MPLADS has faced criticism for various reasons. The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) has pointed out financial mismanagement and artificial inflation of expenditure. Furthermore, since MPLADS lacks statutory backing, it is vulnerable to government whims.
There are also concerns over the monitoring and regulation of the scheme. Though MPLADS was launched for promoting participatory development, no indicators to measure participation levels are available. Critics also argue that MPLADS encroaches upon the domain of local self-governing institutions, thereby violating Part IX and IX-A of the Constitution. Lastly, there are concerns about the conflict with the Doctrine of Separation of Powers due to MPs getting involved in executive functions.
Source
Information for this article was obtained from PIB.