Govt not re-assessing feasibility of MPLADS scheme: Jena

Government is not re-assessing the feasibility of MPLADS scheme, but a third-party monitoring system has been set-up after official auditor CAG found irregularities and violations of guidelines in implementation of these schemes.
"There is presently no proposal for re-assessing the feasibility of the MPLADS Scheme.
"The C&AG in its performance audit report of the year 2010-11 for the period 2004-05 to 2008-09 has pointed out violations of guidelines and irregularities in implementation of MPLADS," Minister of State (Independent) Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation Srikant Kumar Jena said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
He said a third party physical monitoring of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) has been undertaken since 2007-08. Under this, each MP has the choice to suggest to the District Collector works worth up to Rs 5 crore per annum to be taken up in his/her constituency.

Jena said observations of CAG have been sent to the states and district authorities concerned for taking appropriate action, including penal or department action and recoupment of MPLADS funds with interest.
NABARD Consultancy Services conducted third-party physical monitoring in 208 districts from 2007-08 to 2010-11, he said, adding that the Agricultural Finance Corporation conducted monitoring in 100 districts in 2012-13.

"Observations and suggestions of the third party physical monitoring in respect of implementation in the field are sent to the district authorities for taking appropriate action," Jena said.
Congress party Vice President Rahul Gandhi last month had said that 50 per cent parliamentarians were not in the favour of MPLAD scheme.

"I want to tell you a reality. If you ask MPs, at least 50 per cent of MPs will tell you that put an end to this MPLAD scheme because one has to face problems in the Lok Sabha seats as the scheme does not give so much money that development work can be carried out in the entire Parliamentary seat. This is something to think about," Rahul had said.
Also, Union minister Milind Deora has written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking changes in the provisions of the MPLAD scheme or replacing it with a new programme if its provisions cannot be changed.