Why in the News?
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently organized a national workshop on the e-SAKSHI web portal and mobile app for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
About MPLADS:
- Overview: A Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, to empower MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on durable community assets addressing local needs.
- Administration: Initially under the Ministry of Rural Development; Since 1994, managed by MoSPI.
- Implementation:
- State-level nodal department supervises implementation.
- District authorities sanction projects, release funds, and ensure execution.
- Funding:
- Each MP gets ₹5 crore per year (since 2011–12).
- Disbursed by MoSPI in two instalments of ₹2.5 crore each to district authorities.
- Funds are non-lapsable i.e. carried forward if unutilized.
- Targeted Allocation: Minimum 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs.
- Special Provisions:
- Up to ₹25 lakh annually can be spent outside constituency/state for national unity projects.
- Up to ₹1 crore can be allocated nationwide during severe natural calamities.
- Eligible Projects:
- Durable community assets (e.g., libraries, community halls, ambulances, sports infrastructure, sanitation).
- MPLADS funds can be converged with MGNREGS or integrated with Khelo India for asset creation.
- Support allowed on lands of registered societies/trusts (3+ years old) engaged in welfare work.
- Prohibited for societies/trusts where the MP/family are office-bearers.
- Transparency Measures:
- Plaque with MP’s name and project details must be installed at project sites.
- Project details listed in district offices, MPLADS website, and accessible via RTI.
- Monitoring & Audit:
- District authorities inspect at least 10% of projects annually.
- Funds audited by statutory auditors.
- Regular review meetings at state and central levels.
- e-SAKSHI platform: Enables MPs to digitally recommend, monitor, and track MPLADS projects, improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in fund utilization.
| [UPSC 2020] With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?
1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc. 2. A specified portion of each MP’s ‘fund must benefit SC/ST populations. 3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year. 4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only* |
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