As much as Rs.10,8333 crore spent by MPs under MPLAD scheme under 12th Plan

Various district authorities have spent Rs. 10,883.10 crore under MPLAD scheme on works recommended by the member of bothe the houses from time to time, from April 2012 till June 30 this year, Parliament was informed today.

"In the current 12th Plan till now (April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2015), district authorities spent Rs 3,122.20 crore on works recommended by Rajya Sabha members and Rs 7,740.90 crore on works recommended by Lok Sabha members under the MPLAD scheme," Statistics Minister V K Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

The minister informed the House that the district authorities had spent Rs 2,294.18 crore on the recommendations of Rajya Sabha members and Rs 5,304.32 crore on the proposal of Lok Sabha member during the 11th Five Year Plan (2007-12).

"Every Member of Parliament is entitled to recommend works amounting to rupees five crore per financial year. The funds under the MPLADS are non-lapsable both at the end of the Union Government and at the end of the District Authority, i.e. the unspent balances of a particular year are utilised in the subsequent year(s)," he said.

On the steps taken to maximise use of MPLADS funds expeditiously and within a stipulated time frame, Singh said, "In view of the nature and dynamics of the scheme, the unutilized balances, which also include interest accrued, are bound to exist at any given point of time and utilisation of MPLADS funds in the same financial year is not feasible."

In 1993-94, when the MPLAD scheme was launched, an amount of Rs 5 lakh per MP was allotted. This rose to Rs 1 crore per MP per annum from 1994-95 and Rs 2 crore per MP per annum from 1998-99. In 2011-12, the amount was increased to Rs 5 crore per annum.

Under the MPLAD scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the District Collector for works to the tune of Rs 5 crore per annum to be taken up in his or her constituency.

Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend works in one or more districts in the state from where they have been elected.

The nominated MPs of both the Houses may select one or more districts from any state in the country for the implementation of their choice of work under MPLAD.

(Image credits: Indiatimes)