UPSC Prelims 2020 Question:

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 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:

Explanation:

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS):

• The MPLADS was launched in 1993, to provide a mechanism for the Members of Parliament to recommend works of developmental nature for creation of durable community assets and for provision of basic facilities including community infrastructure, based on locally felt needs to be taken up in their constituencies. So, statement 1 is correct.
  
  
• 15% of MPLADS funds are to be used for areas inhabited by Scheduled Castes, and 7.5% for areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribes. So, statement 2 is correct.
• Funds released by the Government of India to the District Authority under the Scheme are non-lapsable. Funds remaining in the district can be carried forward for use in subsequent years. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  
• The District Authority would be in charge of overall coordination and supervision of the scheme's works at the district level, and would inspect at least 10 percent of the works in progress each year. The District Authority should involve the MPs in the inspections of projects to the extent feasible. So, statement 4 is correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Polity | Government Schemes and Policies(pol)