Context:

Virtually half of a belated Rs.2,200 crore allotted for completing ongoing MPLADS projects in 2020-21 simply lapsed, as the Finance Ministry granted “barely a week” to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to release the funds — inviting the ire of the Standing Committee on Finance.

About MPLADS

• The MPLADS is a Plan Scheme fully funded by Government of India. The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. 5 crore.
• Lok Sabha Members can recommend works within their Constituencies and Elected Members of Rajya Sabha can recommend works within the State of Election except as provided in paras 2.8 and 2.9.
• Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the countr.
• MPLADS works can also be implemented in the areas prone to or affected by the calamities like fl oods, cyclone, Tsunami, earthquake, hailstorm, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack, landslides, tornado, drought, fi re, chemical, biological and radiological hazards.
• Lok Sabha MPs from the non-affected areas of the State can also recommend permissible works up to a maximum of Rs.25 lakh per annum in the affected area(s) in that State.
• In the event of “Calamity of severe nature” in any part of the country, an MP can recommend works up to a maximum of Rs.1 crore for the affected district.
• Whether a calamity is of severe nature or not, will be decided by the Government of India.