Q. With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), 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 a 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 code given below:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 and 4 only
c) 1, 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Correct Answer : d) 1, 2 and 4 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)
The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a scheme in India that allows Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend developmental work in their constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.
Explanation of the statements provided:
1. MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc. – This statement is correct. The primary objective of the MPLADS is to create durable public assets of national priorities, viz. drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, and roads, etc.
2. A specified portion of each MP’s fund must benefit SC/ST populations. – This statement is correct. There is a guideline that recommends a certain percentage of MPLADS funds to be utilized for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations to ensure that these communities benefit from the scheme.
3. MPLADS funds are sanctioned on a yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year. – This statement is incorrect. MPLADS funds can be carried forward to the subsequent years. The funds are non-lapsable, meaning if they are not fully utilized in a given year, they can be carried forward to the next financial year.
4. The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year. – This statement is correct. To ensure the quality of works under the MPLADS, there is a provision for the district authority to inspect a minimum of 10% of the ongoing works each year. This is to ensure accountability and proper utilization of the funds.
Given the explanations above, the correct answer is d) 1, 2, and 4 only.
Source: FAQOld_904.pdf (mplads.gov.in)
