In relation to the MPLADS (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It allows an MP to undertake a project outside his/her constituency at the time of natural disasters.

2. The scheme provides fund quota for SCs, STs, over and above the allocated limit.

3. Nominated MPs are required to choose a district from their home state.

4. An MP is allocated Rs. 5 crore per constituency for a period of 5 years or till the time he holds his seat in the Parliament.

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

Solution

● Statement 1 is correct: Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a central sector scheme under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation wherein a Member of Parliament can suggest a development work worth Rs. 5 crore per year in his/her constituency. The scheme also provides for an MP to recommend development works worth Rs. 25 lakh per year out of his Rs. 5 crore quota in areas outside his/her constituency during the time of natural disasters. ● Statement 2 is incorrect: The scheme envisages development works for the SCs (15% of the fund quota) and STs (7.5% of the fund quota) if the area contains a significant population of these. The above work needs to be done within the quota allocated. ● Statement 3 is incorrect: Rajya Sabha MP can choose any district from the state which he represents while the nominated MPs are free to choose any district from anywhere in the country. The role of the MPs is to only recommend the work while it is the responsibility of the district collector to execute and implement the work. ● Statement 4 is incorrect: The amount allocated in the scheme is Rs. 5 crore per constituency per year. The amount is not lapsable and is carried forward to the next year if unused.