Khaleequr Rahman: Mar 19, 2011

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT LOCAL AREA
DEVELOPMENT SCHEME (MPLADS)

GUIDELINES ON SCHEME CONCEPT, IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING.

The Scheme

1.1 Members of Parliament are approached by their Constituents, quite often, for small works of capital nature to be done in their Constituencies. Hence, there was a demand made by MPs that they should be able to recommend works to be done in their Constituencies. Considering these suggestions, the Prime Minister announced in Parliament on 23^rd December, 1993, the " Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme". Detailed guidelines on the Scheme concept, implementation and monitoring of MPLADS were subsequently issued by the Ministry of Rural Development in February, 1994 who initially handled the Scheme. The guidelines were revised in December, 1994 by this Ministry. Pursuant to these guidelines, the Ministry issued Circulars, from time to time, on matters relating to operational details, based on suggestions received from Members of Parliament and others. Revised Guidelines were issued in February, 1997 and September, 1999. Thereafter, amendments to some provisions of the guidelines were issued from time to time. These guidelines are issued after incorporating amendments.

1.2 Under this scheme, each MP will have the choice to suggest to the Head of the District works to the tune of Rs.1 crore per year, to be taken up in his/her constituency. Elected Members of Rajya Sabha representing the whole of the State as they do, may select works for implementation in one or more district(s) as they may choose. Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may also select works for implementation in one or more districts, anywhere in the country. The allocation per MP per year stands increased to Rs.2 crores from the year 1998-1999. And now last week this has been increased to Rs.5 crores per year.

1.3 MPs can also recommend works outside their constituencies/states for construction of assets that are permissible in the guidelines, for rehabilitation measures in the event of "natural calamity of rare severity" in any part of the country for an amount not exceeding Rs. 10 lakhs, for each calamity.

FEATURES OF THE SCHEME

2.1 Each MP will give a choice of works to the concerned Head of the district who will get them implemented by following the established procedures, that is, he may be guided by the procedure laid down by the State Government subject to these Guidelines. In regard to works in urban areas their implementation can be done through Commissioners/Chief Executive Officers of Corporations, Municipalities, etc., or through the Heads of District concerned as per the option of the MPs. Implementation agencies can be either Government or Panchayati Raj institutions or any other reputed non-governmental organisation who may be considered by the District Head as capable of implementing the works satisfactorily. Engagement of private contractors is prohibited, wherever extant Guidelines do not permit such engagement. For purposes of execution of works through Public Works Department (PWD), wings not necessarily exclusively dealing with civil construction, but having competence in civil construction can be engaged-like for example, Public Health Engineering, Rural Housing Departments/wings, Housing Boards, Electricity Boards, Urban Development Authorities etc. The Head of the District shall identify the agency through which a particular work recommended by the MP should be executed.

2.2 The works under the scheme shall be developmental in nature based on locally felt needs. The emphasis is on creation of durable assets. Funds provided under the scheme should not be used for incurring revenue expenditure. The funds can also be used for purposes such as provision of service support facilities. However, they will not include any recurring expenditure like on staff to maintain such facilities.

2.3 It will also be appropriate if the scheme funds are used for partly meeting the cost of a larger work like for example for partly meeting the cost of a micro-hydel work only in case it would result in completion of the works. Where such part costs are met under this para, it should be with reference to clearly identifiable part of the work.

2.4 Sometimes execution of work, by their very nature, may span into more than one year. In such circumstances, funds under the scheme could be made available to the executing agency either in advance or over more than one year, phasing of execution of work being clearly kept in view.

2.5 The site selected for execution of the work by the MP shall not be changed except with the concurrence of the MP himself.

2.6 The funds under MPLADS may be used for creation of durable assets which shall always be available for public use at large. The ownership of such assets created with MPLADS funds would vest in the Government. The sale/transfer/disposal of the assets created out of MPLADS funds shall not be undertaken without the prior approval of the Government. The maintenance and upkeep of assets so created will have to be ensured by the beneficiary organisation and will be subject to periodical audit and inspection by the Government. Beneficiary organisations other than Government must enter into a formal agreement, in advance, with Government to comply with the above conditions before the funds from MPLADS are used for creation of a durable assets permissible as per procedure laid down under the MPLADS guidelines.

2.7 An illustrative list of works that may be taken up under the scheme is presented in Appendix 1. A list of works which shall not be allowed under the scheme is presented in Appendix 2.

2.8 Payment of advances of any type to the contractors/suppliers under any work falling within this scheme is prohibited.

2.9 The Heads of districts should ensure that provision for maintenance and upkeep of the works to be taken up under this Scheme is forthcoming from the concerned local body or the relevant agency, that is, Government-aided institution, registered society etc.

SANCTION AND EXECUTION OF WORKS

If the work identified by the predecessor MP is under execution, it should be completed.

If the work identified by the predecessor MP is pending sanction due to administrative reasons beyond a period of 45 days from the date on which advice was received for taking up the work, it should also be executed provided the work is otherwise as per norms.

If the predecessor MP had identified the work, but it was not taken up for execution because of reasons other then those mentioned in the preceding sub-para, it can be executed subject to the confirmation of the successor MP.

3.10 In respect of elected Members of Rajya Sabha, the unspent balance left by the predecessor Members of Rajya Sabha in a particular State will be equally distributed among the successor Rajya Sabha Members in that particular State.

The unspent balance left by the predecessor Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha will be equally distributed amongst the successor Nominated Members of Rajya Sabha/Lok Sabha respectively.

3.1 In identifying and selecting works and giving administrative sanction for the same, the Head of the district should invariably get the concurrence of the Member of Parliament. Normally, the advice of the MP should prevail unless it be for technical reasons such as land selected for work not being suitable for execution etc. Where the Head of the district considers that a work suggested by an MP cannot be executed, he should send a comprehensive report with reasons to the MP under intimation to the Department of the State Government dealing with the subject and to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

3.2 As far as possible, all sanctions for works should be accorded within 45 days from the date of receipt of proposal from the concerned MP.

3.3 So far as technical and administrative sanctions are concerned, decision making should be only at the district level. If need be for the purpose of implementation of this scheme, full and final powers should be delegated to the District technical and administrative functionaries.

3.4 In case, a constituency fall in more than one district, the Head of the district who receives the money released by the Government of India shall make the required funds available to the other concerned district(s) in keeping with MP’s choice so that the Head(s) of such other district(s) could implement the works suggested by the MP in his district(s).

3.5 Since the works under this scheme would be implemented by different State Government agencies such as PWD, Rural Development, Irrigation, Agriculture, Health, Education, Area Development Authorities, Water Supply and Sewerage Boards, Housing Corporation etc. the Heads of the respective districts would be responsible for the coordination and overall supervision of the works under this scheme at the district level. The implementing agencies may not collect any administrative charges, centage etc. for their services of preparatory work, implementation, supervision, etc.

3.6 The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, would have the nodal responsibilities for this scheme at the Centre. The Department concerned of the State Government will issue general instructions to all the planning and implementing agencies at the district level to co-operate, assist and implement the works referred to them under this scheme by the Heads of the districts. Copies of such instructions shall also be sent to the MPs at their constituencies and at their Delhi addresses.

3.7 The normal financial and audit procedures would apply to all actions taken under this scheme subject to these Guidelines, especially Guidelines contained in para 3.3.

3.8 Allocation per year under the scheme is for the constituency. Though there may be change in the MP representing a constituency, whatever may be the reason for such change, the allocation being for the constituency, continuity of action in implementing works under the scheme should be maintained. The Head of the district should play a coordinating role in this regard between the past and the present MP and the implementing agencies concerned.

3.9 When there is a change in the MP, for whatever reason it may be, the following principles should be followed, as far as possible in executing works:

RELEASE OF FUNDS
MONITORING ARRANGEMENTS

5.1 For effective implementation of the works taken up under this scheme, each State Government/UT Administration shall designate one nodal Department for physical monitoring through field inspection and for coordination with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India. The Heads of Districts shall visit and inspect at least 10% of these works every year. Similarly, it should be the responsibility of the senior officers of implementing agencies of these works to regularly visit the work spots and ensure that the works are progressing satisfactorily as per the prescribed procedures and specifications. Likewise, officers of district at the sub-divisional and block level shall also closely monitor implementation of these works through visits to work sites. The Head of the District should also involve the MPs in such inspections and monitoring to the maximum extent feasible. They should also furnish monitoring reports once in two months to the MPs and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. A schedule of inspections which prescribes the minimum number of field visits for each supervisory level functionary of the implementing agencies may be drawn up by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

5.2 The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, would always have with it a complete and updated picture of the works under implementation.

5.3 Monitoring formats and other issues of details relevant to this scheme would be decided by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, from time to time within the framework of the scheme.

5.4 The Districts Heads should also communicate information on the progress of works under the scheme on the Internet to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Copies of such reports shall also be forwarded to the MPs. Software required for reporting on the Internet will be furnished by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This will also facilitate instantaneous monitoring of the progress of the scheme constituency-wise.

5.5 The Chief Secretary or in his absence a Senior Principal Secretary/Additional Chief Secretary should conduct a meeting involving the Heads of Districts and MPs to assess the progress of works under the scheme at least once in a year.

5.6 Periodic teleconferences may also be organised, availing of the infrastructure and expertise available with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). In these conferences to be organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, instantaneous contact could be established with the Heads of districts and other local functionaries to clarify doubts and remove bottlenecks. MPs also should be associated with such conferences.

5.7 State Governments concerned may make arrangements for training of District officials concerned with the implementation of MPLAD Scheme. In the light of experience gained in the functioning and performance of District officials, corrective measures may be incorporated by the States in their training programmes to improve deficiencies observed in implementation of the Scheme.

ILLUSTRATIVE LIST OF WORKS THAT CAN BE TAKEN UP UNDER MPLADS

Construction of buildings for schools, hostels, libraries and other buildings of educational institutions belonging to Government or local bodies. Such buildings belonging to aided institutions and unaided but recognised institutions can also be constructed provided, however, that the institution be in existence for not less than two years.

Construction of tube-wells and water tanks for providing water to the people in villages, towns or cities, or execution of other works, which may help in this respect. Water tankers can also be purchased for providing drinking water.

Construction of roads including part roads, approach roads, link roads etc. in villages and towns and cities. Very selectively kutcha roads can also be constructed where the MP concerned and the District Head agree to meet the locally felt need.

Construction of culverts/bridges on the roads of above description and of open cut or tube wells.

Construction of common shelters for the old or handicapped.

Construction of buildings for local bodies for recognised District or State Sports Associations and for cultural and sports activities or for hospitals. Provision of multi-gym facilities in gymnastic centres, sports associations, physical education training institutions etc. is also permissible.

Special forestry, farm forestry, horticulture, pastures, parks and gardens in Government and community lands or other surrendered lands.

Desilting of ponds in villages, towns and cities.

Construction of public irrigation and public drainage facilities.

Construction of common gobar gas plants, non-conventional energy systems/devices for community use and related activities.

Construction of irrigation embankments, or lift irrigation or water table recharging facilities.

Construction of public libraries and reading rooms.

Construction of creches and anganwadis.

Construction of public health care buildings, including family welfare sub-centres together with the ANM residential quarters. Such buildings belonging to aided institutions also can be constructed.

Construction of crematoriums and structures on burial/cremation grounds.

Construction of public toilets and bathrooms.

Construction of drains and gutters.

Construction of footpaths, pathways and footbridges.

Provision of civic amenities like electricity, water, pathways, public toilets etc. in slum areas of cities, town and villages and in SC/ST habitations, provision of common work-sheds in slums and for artisans.

Construction of residential schools in tribal areas.

Construction of bus-sheds/stops for public transport passengers.

Construction of veterinary aid centres, artificial insemination centres and breeding centres.

Procurement of hospital equipment like X-Ray machines, ambulances for Government Hospitals and setting up of mobile dispensaries in rural areas by Government Panchayati Institutions. Ambulances can be provided to reputed service organisations like Red Cross, Ramakrishna Mission etc.

Electronic Projects:
i) Computer in education project of High school/College
ii) Information footpath
iii) Ham Club in high schools
iv) Citizen band radio
v) Bibliographic data-base projects.

Construction of Level Crossing at unmanned Railway crossing.

Purchase of Audio-Visual Aids of educational nature for Government, Government-aided and also unaided but Government recognised educational institutions provided there is proper place and proper provision for safe custody of these aids.

Purchase of Night Soil Disposal System for local bodies.

Purchase of motor boats for flood and cyclone affected areas.

"Works related to animal care/ welfare like construction of buildings / shelters, provision of ambulances, medical equipment and development of infrastructure facilities like provision of drinking water, drainage etc."

Purchase of motor boats for flood and cyclone affected areas.

"Works related to animal care/ welfare like construction of buildings / shelters, provision of ambulances, medical equipment and development of infrastructure facilities like provision of drinking water, drainage etc."

LIST OF WORKS NOT PERMISSIBLE UNDER MPLADS

Office buildings, residential buildings, and other buildings relating to Central or State Governments, Departments, Agencies or Organisations.

Works belonging to commercial organisations, private institutions or co-operative institutions.

Repair and maintenance works of any type other than special repairs for restoration/up-gradation of any durable asset.

Grant and loans.

Memorials or memorial buildings.

Purchase of inventory or stock of any type.

Acquisition of land or any compensation for land acquired.

Assets for all individual benefit, except those which are part of approved schemes.

Places for religious worship.

4.1 Ideally it would be desirable that the MPs suggest individual works costing not more than Rs.25 lakhs per work. However, the limit of Rs.25 lakhs per work should not be too rigidly construed. Amounts higher than Rs.25 lakhs per work can be spent depending upon the nature of the work. (For example a single check dam to provide minor irrigation or water supply or a sports stadium may cost more than Rs.25 lakhs. In the case of such works higher amount can be legitimately spent).

4.2 Funds shall be released to the Districts each year immediately after the Vote on Account/Budget is passed. The funds released by the Govt. of India under the scheme would be non-lapsable. Funds released in a particular year, if they remain unutilised can be carried forward to the subsequent year without detracting from the allocation of rupees two crores per year per constituency. However, release of funds will be made with reference to the actual progress achieved in expenditure and execution of works. In other words, funds would be available in the budget to the extent of rupees two crores per year per MP and works will not suffer for want of provisions. At the same time releases will be regulated according to progress. The idea is that at any given time no excessive money should remain outside the Government treasury than is reasonably expected to be spent within a year. For example, if out of Rs.2 crore allotted for a constituency in a year, Rs.150 lakhs are spent, the balance of Rs.50 lakhs can be carried over for the year when this amount together with fresh allocation of Rs.2 crore (total of Rs.2.5 crore) would be the entitlement of the year and could be spent. But actual physical release of funds will be with reference to the amount expected to be spent. It should be seen, however, that unspent amounts do not excessively snowball into huge entitlements.

4.3 The release of funds by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, will be done two times a year on the basis of the physical and financial progress of the works under implementation and further requirement of funds for works.

4.4 At the time of release of funds, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, in consultation with the Heads of the concerned Districts will make an assessment of the funds required to complete the on-going works. Such requirements of funds will be met first and then only the balance allocation will be considered for new works. Instalment of Rs.1 crore in respect of an MP would be released once the balance amount, after taking into account the cost of all the works sanctioned (unsanctioned balance), comes to less than Rs.50 lakhs. The eligibility for the release of an instalment in respect of an MP will be decided on the basis of information furnished by the concerned District Heads in the format placed at Appendix-3 and 4 respectively, copies of which will also be sent by the District Heads to the concerned MPs.

4.5 Funds for individual works should be promptly released. 75% of the cost of the works can be released in the first instalment itself, the balance of 25% being released watching progress. To the maximum extent possible, release of funds should be arranged through the administrative authority available nearest to the work spot, like for example a Block Development Officer. The objective should be that release of funds also is made through decentralised administrative mechanisms already available on the ground and that implementing agencies have the quickest feasible access to such decentralised authorities.

4.6 In case the concerned MP is not interested in utilising the funds, he may write to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, so that the release of funds is withdrawn.

4.7 Funds released under the scheme shall be deposited in nationalized banks.

4.8 Interest accrued on the funds deposited in nationalized banks may be used for the works approved under these guidelines.

Khaleequr Rahman

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Khaleequr Rahman: Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme...

Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)