MPLADS – the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme – is in the news because Telangana’s 23 MPs utilised only 23.8% of their allocated funds over two years. This note explains MPLADS rules, jurisdiction and the recent data for prelims.
Why in News?
Telangana’s 23 MPs (17 Lok Sabha + 7 Rajya Sabha, with vacancies) spent only Rs 94 crore of the Rs 394.8 crore available under MPLADS over two years – a utilisation of about 23.8%.
MPLADS: Key Facts for Prelims
- Central Sector Scheme, 100% funded by the Union Government; launched in December 1993 (P.V. Narasimha Rao government).
- Nodal ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) since October 1994 (initially Rural Development).
- Rs 5 crore per MP per year, released in two instalments of Rs 2.5 crore; funds are non-lapsable and carry forward.
- Role of MP is recommendatory; the District Authority (Collector/DM) sanctions, executes and monitors works.
- Works must create durable community assets (drinking water, education, health, roads, sanitation); at least 15% for SC areas and 7.5% for ST areas.
- Scheme was suspended in April 2020 (COVID-19) and restored in November 2021; revised guidelines from 2023 moved to an e-SAKSHI digital platform.
Geographical jurisdiction (frequently asked)
- Lok Sabha MPs: works only within their own constituency.
- Rajya Sabha MPs: anywhere within the state that elected them.
- Nominated MPs (both Houses): anywhere in India.
- MPs may recommend works up to Rs 25 lakh per year outside their constituency/state for natural calamities (Rs 1 crore for severe calamities anywhere in India).
Related constitutional facts
- Telangana sends 17 Lok Sabha and 7 Rajya Sabha members; Andhra Pradesh sends 25 and 11.
- State-level equivalents: MLA Local Area Development schemes (Telangana: Rs 5 crore per MLA/MLC under Assembly Constituency Development Programme).
Quick Revision Table: it
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched | December 1993 |
| Type | Central Sector Scheme (100% central) |
| Nodal ministry | MoSPI (since 1994) |
| Entitlement | Rs 5 crore/MP/year, two instalments |
| Fund nature | Non-lapsable |
| Executing authority | District Collector / DM |
| Telangana utilisation | Rs 94 cr of Rs 394.8 cr (23.8%) |
Trap / Confusing Points: MPLADS
| Confusion | Correct Position |
|---|---|
| it is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme | No – Central Sector Scheme, fully central |
| MPs directly execute works | No – MPs only recommend; District Authority executes |
| Unspent funds lapse each year | No – non-lapsable |
| Nodal ministry is Rural Development | No – MoSPI since 1994 |
5 Practice MCQs on MPLADS
1. The nodal ministry for it is:
a. Ministry of Rural Development
b. Ministry of Finance
c. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
d. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Ans: C
Explanation: MoSPI has administered MPLADS since October 1994.
2. Under it, a Rajya Sabha MP can recommend works:
a. Only in his/her district
b. Anywhere in the state from which elected
c. Anywhere in India
d. Only in the state capital
Ans: B
Explanation: Rajya Sabha MPs may choose works anywhere in their electing state; nominated MPs anywhere in India.
3. The annual MPLADS entitlement per MP is:
a. Rs 2 crore
b. Rs 2.5 crore
c. Rs 5 crore
d. Rs 10 crore
Ans: C
Explanation: Rs 5 crore per year, released in two instalments of Rs 2.5 crore.
4. Under it, the authority responsible for sanctioning and executing works is:
a. The MP
b. The District Authority (Collector/DM)
c. The State Finance Department
d. NITI Aayog
Ans: B
Explanation: The MP’s role is purely recommendatory; the District Authority executes.
5. MPLADS was launched in:
a. 1991
b. 1993
c. 1996
d. 2001
Ans: B
Explanation: Launched in December 1993 during the P.V. Narasimha Rao government.
Exam tip: Revise it together with the static links above; UPSC and APPSC prelims often frame questions from these interconnections.
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