Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Fund

MPLAD Scheme was launched on December 23, 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.

Some of the salient features:

MPLADS is a centrally-sponsored plan scheme fully funded by the government of India under which funds are released in the form of grants in-aid directly to the district authorities.
Works, developmental in nature, based on locally felt needs and always available for the use of the public at large, are eligible under the scheme.
Preference under the scheme is given to works relating to national priorities, such as provision of drinking water, public health, education, sanitation, roads, etc.
The funds released under the scheme are non-lapsable i.e. the liability of funds not released in a particular year is carried forward to the subsequent years, subject to eligibility.
The district authority is empowered to examine the eligibility of works sanction funds and select the implementing agencies, prioritise works, supervise overall execution, and monitor the scheme at the ground level.
The district authorities get the works executed through the line departments, local self governments or other government agencies. In some cases, the district authorities get the works executed through reputed non government organisations.

The Lok Sabha Members can recommend works in their respective constituencies. The elected members of the Rajya Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the state from which they are elected. Nominated members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may select works for implementation anywhere in the country.

MPs petition PM for hike in MPLAD Fund

A delegation of MPs petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an increase in the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Fund. The delegation has asked that the fund, currently Rs. 5 crore for a five-year term (Rs. 1 crore for each year), be increased to Rs. 25 crore.