Context
The Union Cabinet restored the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD) scheme on November 10, 2021, citing economic recovery.
Key-Highlights
- The scheme was suspended in April 2020 and its funds were subsumed in an integrated India fund.
- It was suspended for two financial years, 2020-21 and 2021-22.
- However, as the covid-19 pandemic situation has improved and the economy is recovering, the Government announced a partial rollback.
- Till further announcement, MPs will get Rs 2 crore annually, instead of the approved Rs 5 crore.
What is the MPLAD Scheme?
- The MPLAD scheme was launched in 1993.
- In the early stages, the scheme was under the control of the Ministry of Rural Development and Planning. However, it was transferred to the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation in October, 1994.
- It enables Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend development works within their constituencies.
- The scheme emphasis on creation of durable community assets on the basis of locally felt need.
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Objective of the scheme
- Under the MPLADS program, members of Parliament are entitled to spend Rs 5 crore annually.
- Durable assets of national priorities and community needs include primary education, drinking water, roads, public health and sanitation etc.
- MPLAD funds can also be used to implement scheme such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Sansad Aadarsh ??Gram Yojana, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) and water conservation through rainwater harvesting etc.
