With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Dev

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 :

1 and 2 only
3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 4 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
Statement 1: MPLADS guidelines explicitly state that the focus should be on the creation of durable assets such as buildings, roads, bridges, school buildings, health centres, etc., for public use. This statement is correct.
Statement 2: The guidelines mandate that a certain percentage of the funds should be used for creating assets in areas predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). Currently, this allocation is 15% for SC concentrated areas and 7.5% for ST concentrated areas. This statement is correct.
Statement 3: MPLADS funds are not sanctioned on a yearly basis only. The entitlement is Rs 5 crore per MP per year. Importantly, unused funds *can* be carried forward to the subsequent years within the term of the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha MP. The statement says unused funds cannot be carried forward, which is incorrect.
Statement 4: MPLADS guidelines require the District Authority to inspect at least 10% of the works completed or under implementation every year to ensure proper execution and quality. This statement is correct.
Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
– MPLADS funds are for creating durable community assets.
– Specific allocation for SC/ST areas is mandatory.
– Unused funds can be carried forward.
– District authorities must inspect a minimum percentage of works.
MPLADS is a scheme formulated by the Government of India which enables Members of Parliament to recommend developmental work in their constituencies. The scheme aims to create durable community assets based on locally felt needs. The responsibility for implementation lies with the District Authority.