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
Under the statutory guidelines of the MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme):
– Statement 1 is correct: The primary emphasis of the scheme is on creating durable community assets of national priority based on locally felt needs (such as drinking water facilities, primary education, public health, and sanitation infrastructure).
– Statement 2 is correct: MPs are required to allocate at least 15% of their annual MPLADS entitlement for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste (SC) populations and 7.5% for areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations.
– Statement 3 is incorrect: Funds released under MPLADS are non-lapsable. Unspent funds from one financial year are carried forward into subsequent years for continuous project execution.
– Statement 4 is correct: As per implementation guidelines, the District Authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year to ensure structural and financial compliance.
Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct — Option D.