Consider the following statements regarding the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS):

1. The MPLAD Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India, and was announced on December 23, 1993.

2. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for prescribing guidelines on implementation and monitoring of the scheme.

3. Upon completion of a work under MPLADS, a plaque must be erected at the project site, displaying essential details such as cost, duration, and the name of the recommending MP.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is option 4.

In News

• A Rajya Sabha MP recently demanded an increase in MPLADS funds from ₹5 crore to ₹20 crore per year, citing rising construction costs.
• The Vice-President of India called for a structured national policy on government investments, questioning whether MPLADS was being used efficiently.

Key Points

• MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is fully funded by the Government of India.
  • The scheme was announced on December 23, 1993, to allow Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend development projects in their constituencies.
    • Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
• Since October 1994, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been responsible for prescribing guidelines, implementation, and monitoring of the scheme.
  • The guidelines are regularly updated based on feedback from MPs, government ministries, and third-party evaluations.
    • Hence, Statement 2 is correct.
• After completion of any MPLADS-funded project, a plaque (stone/metal) must be installed at the site to ensure public awareness and transparency.
  • The plaque must display key details, including:
    • Project cost
    • Start and completion dates
    • Name of the recommending MP
      • Hence, Statement 3 is correct.

Additional Information

• MPLADS Funding & Usage:
  • Each MP can recommend projects worth ₹5 crore per annum.
  • Funds are used for community development, infrastructure, and public utilities.
• Implementation Process:
  • Lok Sabha MPs recommend projects within their constituencies.
  • Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend projects anywhere in their elected state.
  • Nominated MPs (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) can select any district in India.
• Recent Developments:
  • MPLADS was suspended from April 2020 to November 2021 due to COVID-19.
  • In FY 2021-22, ₹2 crore per MP was allocated for the remaining period.
  • A demand has been made to increase MPLADS funds, citing inflation and rising construction costs.