MPLAD
The Members of Parliament are often approached by their constituents for taking up small developmental works of capital nature in their constituencies. The normal mechanism of planning is governed by a set of administrative guidelines with regard to cost norms, resource allocation and prioritization of works. Consequently, it is not always possible to take care of some of the felt needs of the people. With a view to bridging this gap and providing a certain degree of flexibility in the planning process for meeting the felt needs of the people, the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLADs) scheme was formulated and announced on 23.12.1993 by the then Prime Minister.
The Scheme was initially administered by the Ministry of Rural Development. The subject was transferred in October 1994 to the then Department of Programme Implementation, Ministry of Planning and Programme Implementation, which is now a part of the MOSPIT. Under the Scheme, a sum of Rs. 2 crore is allocated annually in favour of an M.P., but is released to a nodal District Head. Lok Sabha Members can recommend works to be taken up in their constituencies. The elected Members of Rajya Sabha may select works for implementation anywhere in the State, from which they are elected. Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may select works for implementation anywhere in the country. The salient features of the Scheme are:- The works under the Scheme shall be developmental in nature, for creation of durable assets, based on the locally felt needs.
The funds released under the Scheme are non-lapsable. The normal financial and audit procedures as well as the work procedures of the State concerned apply to the Scheme. The District Head selects the implementing agency for the work recommended by the M.P. and accords administrative sanction after examining its eligibility, feasibility and the estimates. Implementing agencies may not collect any administrative charges, centage charges, etc., for their services relating to preparatory work, implementation and supervision etc. Whenever there is a change in the incumbency of the MP, the works identified by the predecessor MP which are under execution, have to be completed. Besides, eligible works recommended by an MP 45 days before his retirement are implemented, subject to the availability of funds in his account. The remaining unsanctioned works can be taken up, subject to confirmation by the successor MP. MPs can contribute MPLADS funds outside their constituency/State for rehabilitation works in the event of natural calamity of rare severity for an amount upto Rs. 10 lakh, for each calamity. In suitable cases, this ceiling limit can be relaxed. Public utility works of registered Societies/Trusts, fulfilling certain conditions laid down in the Guidelines, are also permissible. The Guidelines provide an illustrative list of works, which can be taken up under the scheme and prohibit items, such as office buildings, residential buildings, acquisition of land and inventory materials, repairs and maintenance works, etc. Detailed guidelines on the Scheme were issued in February 1994 by the Ministry of Rural Development. After the Scheme was transferred to the MOSPI, revised Guidelines were issued in December 1994. The Guidelines were further revised in February 1997 and in September 1999. On the suggestions of MPs, amendments to the Guidelines have been carried out from time to time. A new edition of the Guidelines on MPLADS was issued in April 2002. In addition, administrative instructions have been issued, clarifying the policy position in many areas governing the implementation of the Scheme. Initiatives To Streamline The Scheme Review meetings for incomplete works All the State Governments have been requested to instruct their district heads to hold review meetings in respect of incomplete works. Revised Agreement for Registered Societies/Trusts The issue regarding payment of stamp duty by the beneficiary organization was sorted out in consultation with the Ministry of Law and a revised draft agreement, which would obviate the payment of stamp duty, was circulated to all the districts. Erection of signboards and inauguration of projects All the district heads have been advised to invite the MPs concerned to inaugural functions relating to projects recommended by them. The MP should be informed about the time and venue of such functions well in advance. They have been advised to take steps for erection of signboards at the sites of MPLADS work. Delegation of powers All the State Governments have been requested to empower the District Collectors in their States, to administratively approve all works under MPLADS, irrespective of any limit and the district level technical officers to technically sanction a project up to Rs. 25 lakh, if their present powers are below this level. If the cost of a project exceeds Rs. 25 lakh, the Collector would give the administrative sanction only after obtaining clearance from the MOSPI. Financial ceilings imposed by Hon
