MPLADS Scheme

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 Why in the news?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the restoration and continuation of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) during the remaining part of Financial Year 2021-22 and up to Financial Year 2025-26 .

About the Scheme:

What is the MPLAD Scheme?

• The MPLAD scheme was launched in 1993. 
• It enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend development works within their constituencies. 

Objectives of the Scheme:

• The objective of the scheme is to enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets in the areas of drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation and roads, etc. primarily in their Constituencies.

Key Highlights:

• The MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.
• The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per Member of Parliament (MP) constituency is Rs.5 crore, released in two instalments of Rs.2.5 crore each, subject to the fulfilment of conditions as per the MPLADS Guidelines.
• The scheme was suspended for two financial years (2020-21 and 2021-22).
• 

Implementation Strategy and Targets:

• The MPLAD scheme is governed by a set of guidelines, which are revised from time to time.
• The process under MPLADS starts with the Members of Parliament recommending works to the Nodal District Authority.
• The Nodal District concerned is responsible for implementing the eligible works recommended by the Members of Parliament and maintaining the details of individual works executed and amount spent under the Scheme.

Impact:

• The restoration and continuation of MPLADS will restart the community developmental projects / works in the field which are halted due to lack of funds under MPLADS.
• It will restart fulfilling the aspirations and developmental requirements of the local community and creation of durable assets, which is the primary objective of the MPLADS.
• It will also help in reviving the local economy.
• MPLAD funds can also be used to implement schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) and conservation of water through rain water harvesting etc.