Previous Year Question
With reference to the funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?
MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
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
3 and 4
1, 2 and 3
1, 2 and 4
Correct Answer: D
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. MPLADS permits the recommendation of development works that meet locally felt needs and create durable community assets. These may include works relating to drinking water, health, education, sanitation, roads and other public infrastructure. The asset should be available for public use and provide a lasting benefit to the community.
Statement 2 is correct. Under the guidelines, MPs are required to recommend works costing at least 15% of their annual MPLADS entitlement for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste populations and 7.5% for areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribe populations. This is intended to ensure that socially disadvantaged communities receive an appropriate share of the Scheme’s benefits.
Statement 3 is incorrect. MPLADS funds are non-lapsable. An amount left unused during a financial year does not lapse and may be carried forward for use in subsequent years. Therefore, the claim that unused funds cannot be carried forward is incorrect.
Funds are not paid directly to the MP. The MP recommends eligible works, while the District Authority is responsible for their sanction, implementation, monitoring and proper utilisation of the funds.
Statement 4 is correct. Under the Scheme guidelines, the District Authority must inspect at least 10% of the works under implementation every year. Inspection helps ensure the quality and progress of work, compliance with approved specifications and proper use of funds.
MPLADS was launched on 23 December 1993 and is administered by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.