MPLADS, its suspension, and why it must go
By, Jagdeep S. Chhokar is a former Professor, Dean and Director In-charge of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
Introduction
All Opposition parties have been unanimous in their criticism of the government’s recent move to suspend the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for two years.
The government’s reason is this: to use these funds “to strengthen the government’s efforts in manag
MPLAD Scheme Funds for 2019-20
The Finance Minister has said that the funds under the MPLAD scheme for 2019-20 are clear.
The government of India has decided to make the MPLADS scheme non-operational for 2 years.
These funds will be used to strengthen the Government’s efforts in managing the impact of COVID-19 in the country.
About MPLADs Scheme:
MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme.
It was launched in 1993.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Imple
MPLAD Scheme: Critical Analysis
Virtually half of the belated 2,200 crores allotted for completing the ongoing MPLADS projects in 2020-21 simply lapsed, as the Finance Ministry granted “barely a week” to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to release the funds — inviting the ire of the Standing Committee on Finance.
The resultant funding crunch would have hit several local area development projects under implementation across the country, esp