10. MPLADS Controversy and Performance: A Comprehensive Analysis

The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) has recently come under the scanner following allegations of fund diversion across state boundaries. While the scheme remains a vital tool for localized development, it continues to spark debates regarding its constitutional validity and administrative efficiency. Summary of Key Developments • Inter-State Fund Allocation: A recent controversy in Rajasthan involving three Congress MPs highlighted a provision in the MPLADS Guidelines (2023) that allows elected MPs to recommend projects worth up to ₹50 lakh per financial year outside their designated constituency or state. • Funding and Scope: MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Union Government. Each MP is entitled to ₹5 crore annually to recommend works creating \'durable community assets\' (e.g., water, sanitation, education, and roads). • Expenditure Trends: Data from the 18th Lok Sabha shows that out of ₹5,486 crore allocated, approximately ₹1,453.69 crore has been utilized so far. Historically, fund utilization improved from the 14th Lok Sabha (99.01%) to the 16th Lok Sabha (91.3%), though the 17th Lok Sabha faced a dip due to the COVID-19 suspension. • Technological Transparency: The integration of the e-SAKSHI portal and mandatory geotagging of assets has enhanced public monitoring. Some MPs, such as Iqra Choudhary, have been lauded for maintaining real-time digital transparency of their projects. • Calamity Provisions: In cases of a \'calamity of severe nature,\' the guidelines permit an MP to recommend works up to ₹1 crore for any affected district in the country, providing a mechanism for national solidarity during disasters.• Implementation Mechanism: The role of the MP is strictly recommendatory. The actual execution, sanctioning (within 75 days), and monitoring are handled by the District Authority (District Collector/Magistrate). Key Definitions • Central Sector Scheme: A scheme 100% funded and implemented by the Central Government, unlike Centrally Sponsored Schemes where states share the cost. • Durable Assets: Physical infrastructure intended for community use that has a long life, such as school buildings or hospitals, excluding recurring expenses like repairs or staff salaries. • Nodal District: The district chosen by an MP (particularly Rajya Sabha or Nominated members) to manage the release and accounting of their MPLADS funds. Constitutional and Legal Provisions • Article 282: The Supreme Court in Bhim Singh vs. Union of India (2010) upheld the constitutionality of MPLADS under this Article. It allows the Union to make grants for any \'public purpose\' even if the subject (like local roads) falls under the State List. • Separation of Powers: Critics often argue MPLADS blurs the line between the Legislature and Executive. However, the judiciary ruled that since MPs only \'recommend\' and do not \'execute\' the work, there is no violation of the separation of powers. • Lapsable vs. Non-Lapsable: Unlike many other budget heads, MPLADS funds are non-lapsable. If an MP does not use the ₹5 crore in one year, the balance is carried forward to the next year within their term. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II: Federal structure and challenges (Centre-State relations); Statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies; Separation of powers between various organs. • GS Paper III: Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, and development. • Ethics (GS IV): Transparency and accountability in the use of public funds; Political impartiality in developmental work. Conclusion MPLADS serves as a unique bridge between macro-level legislative policy and micro-level grassroots needs. While controversies regarding political motivation or underutilization persist, the scheme’s judicial backing and recent digital reforms suggest it remains an essential component of India’s developmental architecture. The focus must now shift from \'scrapping\' the scheme to \'skilling\' the representatives on effective fund deployment and ensuring that \'durable assets\' translate into \'durable outcomes\' for the rural and urban poor.