MPLAD & MLA-LAD

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Context:

The Delhi government decided to increase the MLA-LAD (Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development) funds from ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore per year.

Details

The Delhi cabinet has approved a 50% increase in MLA-LAD (Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development) funds, raising the amount from ₹10 crore to ₹15 crore per year. This makes Delhi the state with the highest allocation of MLA-LAD funds in the country.

About MPLADS

The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was launched in December 1993. Initially, it was administered by the Ministry of Rural Development, but since October 1994, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been managing its implementation.

Features

1. The scheme aims to develop projects based on local needs; such as drinking water, education, public health, sanitation, and roads.
2. Each MP is allocated Rs 5 crores per annum. The funds are non-lapsable, meaning they can be carried over to the next year if not used.
3. Projects can include community halls, drinking water facilities, roads, bridges, solar street lights, and sports facilities.
4. Implementation:
   • • MPs recommend projects to the District Collector (DC) or District Magistrate (DM).
     • The DC/DM checks if the projects are feasible and approves them.
     • Local authorities or implementing agencies execute the projects.
     • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) oversees the whole process to ensure everything is done correctly.
5. Eligibility:
   • • Lok Sabha MPs can recommend projects within their constituencies.
     • Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend projects in one or more districts within their state.
     • Nominated MPs can choose any district across the country.

Significance

1. MPLADS has helped build many important facilities like schools, roads, and health centres, improving the quality of life for many people.
2. It allows MPs to directly address the needs of their communities, making them more connected to the people they represent.
3. The scheme is flexible, so MPs can quickly fund projects in case of emergencies like natural disasters.

 About MLA-LAD

The Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLA-LAD) Scheme is a state-level initiative that permits Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to recommend development projects in their constituencies.  

Features

1. MLA-LAD was first introduced in Karnataka in 2001-02. Since then, many states have adopted similar schemes to empower their MLAs to address local needs.
2. The amount allocated to each MLA varies by state. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, each MLA gets Rs 5 crores per year. In Delhi, the allotment is Rs 15 crores per year.
3. MLAs can recommend projects (like building roads, schools, health centres, and more) that they believe will benefit their constituencies the most.
4. Implementation

• • • MLAs suggest projects to the District Collector (DC) or District Magistrate (DM).
    • The DC/DM reviews the recommendations to ensure they meet the guidelines and are feasible.
    • Once approved, the projects are implemented by local authorities or implementing agencies.
    • State governments supervise the implementation to ensure projects are completed properly and funds are used efficiently.

Significance

1. It authorizes MLAs to directly address the needs of their constituents, fostering a closer connection between elected representatives and the public.
2. The scheme’s flexibility enables MLAs to quickly fund projects in response to urgent local needs, such as during natural disasters.

Source: 

Hindustan Times

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about the MLA-LAD Scheme: 1. The funds under the scheme are allocated by the state government. 2. MLAs have full discretion over how the funds are utilized. 3. The scheme allows funds to be used for both urban and rural areas. Which of the above statements are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 2 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The state government assigns the funds under the MLA-LAD Scheme. Statement 2 is incorrect: While MLAs can recommend projects, the final approval and implementation are overseen by the District Collector (DC) or District Magistrate (DM). So, MLAs do not have full discretion. Statement 3 is correct: The MLA-LAD Scheme can be used for development projects in both urban and rural areas.