COMPLAINTS REGARDING MPLAD FUNDS

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LOK SABHA

The maximum number of complaints in respect of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) have been received from Uttar Pradesh. This information was given by the Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Shri S.B. Mookherjee in Lok Sabha today.

Replying to a question by Shri Rajo Singh and Shri Shivaji Mane, the Minister stated the state-wise number of complaints received as given below:

Uttar Pradesh	13
Bihar	03
Maharashtra	05
Tamil Nadu	02
West Bengal	01
Rajasthan	04
Kerala	03
Orissa	02
Jharkhand	01

 

The nature of complaints relates to sub-standard execution of works; delay in release of funds; delay in sanction of projects and mis-utilisation of funds etc..

Shri Mookherjee told the House that as and when any complaint is received either from an MP or from any other quarters, it is examined with due care and appropriate remedial action is taken if it pertains to the Central Government. In other cases, the complaints are referred to the district heads and State governments concerned and they are advised to take immediate remedial action.

The reasons for delay in implementation of MPLADS are:

1. Delay in submission of recommendation of works by the MPs to the district head;
2. Frequent changes of works by the MPs;
3. Delay in processing of recommendations received from PMs by district authorities;
4. Delay in preparation of estimates by the concerned agencies;
5. Delay in issue of financial sanction by the district heads;
6. Delay in transfer of funds from one district to another;
7. Non-submission of expenditure statements by district heads to the Central Goverbment resulting in delay in release of funds;
8. Non-release of funds in time to the implementing agencies by the district heads;
9. Non-availability of/delay in getting possession of land; and
10. Non-compliance of time-frame by the implementing agencies;

The steps taken to expedite the implementation of works under the MPLADS include:

1. Advice to District Collectors to process and sanction the works recommended by MPs to the extent of their yearly entitlement of funds without waiting for actual release of funds;
2. Holding of regular review meetings with the MPs to sort out problems and to ensure project-wise allocation of funds as per requirement;
3. Request to MPs to give their recommendations well in advance in a phased manner and not to cancel or change the works which have already been sanctioned;
4. Request to the State Governments to monitor the programme more intensively; and
5. Organisation of workshops and state-level review meetings to have better interaction with MPs.