Why in News?

• Union government has recently given few exemptions under the MPLADS scheme, owing to the recent COVID-19 Pandemic.

About the Exemptions:

• The government has provided for “one-time exemption in furnishing of utilization certificate” for release of the first instalment, and exemption from furnishing of audit certificate for release of the second instalment.
• The exemption is for the Members of Parliament (MPs) who have decided to contribute for COVID-19. This exemption is applicable only for the financial year 2020-21.
• The latest announcement comes after allowing a one-time dispensation under the Scheme to allow MPs to recommend funds for purchase of medical testing and screening equipment for government hospitals and dispensaries in the wake of COVID-19.

Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme:

• This scheme was announced in 1993 and initially came under the control of the Ministry of Rural Development. Later, in October 1994, it was transferred to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Objective:

• To enable MPs to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt needs to be taken up in their Constituencies.
• Lok Sabha Members can recommend works within their constituencies and elected Members of Rajya Sabha can recommend works within the State they are elected from.
• Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the country.
• To create durable assets of national priorities viz. drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation and roads, etc.

Funding and Implementation:

• It is a Central Sector Scheme. The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per MP constituency is ₹5 crore. MPs receive Rs 5 crore in two instalments of Rs 2.5 crore each. Funds under MPLADS are non-lapsable.
• Under the MPLADS rules, an MP can donate a maximum of Rs 1 crore to a trust or a public fund.