With reference to the funds under Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLADS) Scheme, 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 given code below-

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• MPLADS enables the members of parliament (MPs) to recommend developmental work in their constituencies, emphasising creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs such as drinking water, education, public health, sanitation, roads, etc. Recommendations for non-durable assets can be made only under limited circumstances. For example, the government allowed the use of MPLAD funds to purchase personal protective equipment, coronavirus testing kits, and related items during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statement 2 is correct, and statement 3 is incorrect

• MPLADS funds are non-lapsable, either at the end of the Union Government or the District Authority.
• MPs must recommend works yearly for SCs (15%) and STs (7.5%) areas out of the total amount.

Statement 4 is correct

• The District Authority is responsible for overall coordination and supervision of the works under the scheme at the district level and inspect at least 10% of the works under implementation every year.
• The District Authority should involve the MPs in the inspections of projects to the extent feasible.

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 4; Difficulty Level: Hard