50% FUNDS ALLOTTED FOR ONGOING MPLADS PROJECTS LAPSE

CONTEXT: Half of 2,200 crore allotted for completing ongoing MPLADS projects in 2020-21 lapsed, as the Finance Ministry granted barely a week to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to release the funds.

                                                                                                  ABOUT MPLADS

  • Each MP is granted 5 crore under the scheme, adding up to 3,950 crore rupees a year for 790 MPs, to undertake development projects in their respective constituencies.
  • The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the nodal department responsible for policy formulation and release of funds.
  • The district authorities are responsible for work scrutiny, cost estimation, identification of the implementing agency, and transfer of funds.
  • The funds are non-lapsable and can be carried forward.
  • MP should recommend work annually.
  • At least 15 percent of the MPLADS entitlement for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste population and 7.5 percent for areas inhabited by the ST population.
  • Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the country.
  • The Government of India releases an annual entitlement of Rs. 5 crores in two equal installments.
  • This amount is given to the District Authority of the Nodal District selected by the concerned MP.

Reference: The Hindu