Why in news? According to the website of Centre’s Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MSPI), nearly 70 per cent of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds are used to build community halls

Highlights:

• It is pointed out that building community halls will ignore other developmental works like roads, toilets and drainages that might serve people better.
• Building community halls goes against the 2016 guidelines issued by the Union government
• MPLADS funds can be used for construction of only one community hall in one village as per the directions by central government
• Installation of rainwater harvesting systems and shelters for skill development centres are among the assets that the guidelines encourage MPs to build.

About MPLADS

• It is a scheme formulated to enables the members of parliaments (MP) to recommend developmental work in their constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable community assets based on locally felt needs.
• Funds are non-lapsable in nature
• District Authority would be responsible for overall coordination and supervision of the works under the scheme at the district level and inspect at least 10% of the works under implementation every year.

Implementing agency

• Initially, this scheme was administered by Ministry of Rural Development, later Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) is implementing it

Funding

• Each MP is allocated 5 crore with annual entitlement is released conditionally in two installments of Rs. 2.5 crore each
• MoSPI disburses funds to district authorities, not directly to MPs.

Functioning

• Elected Members of Rajya Sabha representing the whole of the State, may select works for implementation in one or more district(s) as they may choose.
• Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may select works for implementation in one or more districts, anywhere in the country.
• MPs can also recommend work of up to Rs. 25 lakhs per year outside their constituency or state to promote national unity, harmony and fraternity.
• MPs can recommend work of up to 25 lakh for Natural Calamity in the state and up to Rs. 1 crore in the country in case of Calamity of Severe Nature (e.g. Tsunami, major cyclones and earthquakes).