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 sets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc 2. A specified portion of each MP 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 work under implementation every year. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Contents12
- A1 and 2 only
- B3 and 4 only
- C1, 2 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 4 only
Show answer
Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 4 only
MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) — Let's check each statement:
Statement 1 (Funds for durable community assets) — CORRECT: MPLADS funds are meant for creating durable community assets like roads, drinking water facilities, school buildings, hospitals, etc.
Each MP gets Rs. 5 crore per year.
Statement 2 (15% for SC areas, 7.5% for ST areas) — CORRECT: MPs must recommend at least 15% of their MPLADS funds for SC-inhabited areas and 7.5% for ST-inhabited areas.
Statement 3 (Funds are lapsable) — NOT CORRECT: MPLADS funds are NON-LAPSABLE. If the money isn't used in a year, it gets carried forward to the next year. It doesn't go back to the government.
Statement 4 (District Authority inspects 10% of works) — CORRECT: The District Authority is responsible for overall coordination and must inspect at least 10% of works under implementation every year.
Answer: D (1, 2 and 4 only).
Key Takeaway: MPLADS = Rs. 5 crore/MP/year + durable assets + 15% SC + 7.5% ST + NON-LAPSABLE + District Authority inspects 10%.
Remember: the funds do NOT lapse.
Each MP gets Rs. 5 crore annually under MPLADS to create durable community assets, with mandatory 15% allocation for SC areas and 7.5% for ST areas.
MPLADS was temporarily suspended in April 2020 due to COVID-19 funding needs, making it a current affairs topic for the 2020 exam.
The key trap is statement 3 - MPLADS funds are non-lapsable, meaning unused funds carry forward to the next year rather than returning to government.
MPLADS Scheme Overview
Indian Polity MPLADS Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme
MPLADS: Key Features & UPSC Exam Points
Each MP gets ₹5 crore per year for constituency development
Funds are non-lapsable — unused money carries forward to next year
15% for SC areas, 7.5% for ST areas — mandatory allocation
District Authority inspects at least 10% of ongoing works annually
MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme that gives MPs discretionary funds to recommend development works in their constituencies. Launched in 1993, it aims to create durable community assets at the grassroots level.
MPLADS Key Parameters
Parameter | Details | UPSC Note |
|---|---|---|
Annual Allocation | ₹5 crore per MP | Increased from ₹2 crore in 2011 |
Fund Nature | Non-lapsable | Unused funds carry forward — not returned to govt |
SC Allocation | Minimum 15% | Must benefit SC-inhabited areas |
ST Allocation | Minimum 7.5% | Must benefit ST-inhabited areas |
Implementation | District Authority | Nodal agency for coordination |
Monitoring | 10% inspection | District Authority must inspect annually |
Eligible Works & Restrictions
Durable assets only — roads, school buildings, hospitals, drinking water facilities, community centers
No individual benefits — cannot fund personal assets like individual houses or private facilities
Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend works anywhere in the state they represent
Lok Sabha MPs recommend works within their constituency boundaries
Trap: Statement 3 says funds 'cannot be carried forward' — wrong, MPLADS funds are non-lapsable
Confusion: Don't mix SC/ST percentages — it's 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, not equal percentages
Memory aid: MPLADS = 5-15-7.5-10 (₹5 crore, 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 10% inspection)
MP Powers in Local Development
Indian Polity MP constituency development
MP Role in Constituency Development: Constitutional vs Scheme-Based Powers
MPs have no constitutional role in local administration — purely legislative function
MPLADS is discretionary — MPs recommend, District Authority implements
Separation maintained — MPs cannot directly execute development works
The Constitution gives MPs legislative powers only — they debate, pass laws, and hold the executive accountable. MPLADS is a scheme-based exception that allows MPs to recommend development works without violating separation of powers.
Constitutional vs MPLADS Powers
Aspect | Constitutional Role | MPLADS Role |
|---|---|---|
Primary Function | Legislation & oversight | Recommend development works |
Executive Power | None — cannot execute | None — only recommend |
Local Administration | No direct role | Advisory role through recommendations |
Fund Control | No discretionary funds | ₹5 crore annual allocation |
Implementation | Cannot implement | District Authority implements |
Other MP Constituency Roles
Questions in Parliament — raise constituency issues during Question Hour
Calling Attention Motions — highlight urgent local problems
Representation to Ministers — lobby for state/central schemes in constituency
MGNREGA Social Audit — MPs can participate in rural employment scheme audits
District Authority Functions
Indian Polity district authority implementation
District Authority: Nodal Agency for MPLADS Implementation
District Collector acts as District Authority for MPLADS implementation
Must inspect at least 10% of ongoing works every year
No executive power for MPs — District Authority maintains implementation control
The District Collector (or equivalent officer) serves as the District Authority under MPLADS. This ensures that while MPs can recommend works, actual implementation follows proper administrative procedures and government accountability standards.
MPLADS Implementation Process
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**MP Recommendation**
MP identifies and recommends development works within guidelines`"]
s2["`**District Authority Review**
Collector checks eligibility, technical feasibility, and compliance`"]
s3["`**Approval & Tendering**
District Authority approves eligible works and follows procurement rules`"]
s4["`**Implementation**
Works executed through contractors/agencies under district supervision`"]
s5["`**Monitoring**
District Authority inspects minimum 10% of ongoing works annually`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4
s4 --> s5District Authority Responsibilities
Technical clearance — ensure recommended works meet engineering and safety standards
Financial oversight — maintain proper accounts and prevent fund misuse
Progress monitoring — track work completion and quality standards
Grievance redressal — handle complaints related to MPLADS works in the district
SC/ST Reservations in Development
Indian Polity SC/ST 15% 7.5%
SC/ST Allocations in Central Development Schemes
MPLADS: 15% for SC areas, 7.5% for ST areas — mandatory minimum allocation
Population-based logic — SC ~16%, ST ~8% of national population
Area-based targeting — funds must benefit SC/ST-inhabited areas specifically
Central development schemes often mandate minimum allocations for SC/ST communities to ensure inclusive development. MPLADS requires 15% for SC areas and 7.5% for ST areas — reflecting their approximate population shares and historical disadvantages.
SC/ST Allocations Across Schemes
Scheme | SC Allocation | ST Allocation | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
MPLADS | 15% minimum | 7.5% minimum | Area-based development |
Central Plan Funds | 16.6% | 8.6% | Population proportion |
PMAY-G | As per population | As per population | Household-based targeting |
Scholarship Schemes | Population-based | Population-based | Individual beneficiaries |
Implementation Guidelines
Geographic targeting — works must be located in areas with significant SC/ST population
Community assets — preference for schools, health centers, roads benefiting SC/ST areas
Monitoring mechanism — District Authority tracks SC/ST allocation compliance
No substitution allowed — SC/ST allocations cannot be diverted to general category works
Don't confuse percentages: MPLADS SC/ST is 15% and 7.5%, not equal splits
Area vs individual: MPLADS targets SC/ST areas, not individual SC/ST MPs
Minimum requirement: These are minimum allocations — MPs can allocate more if needed