Lok Sabha Question No. 5290 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-04-02
Subject: Unutilized MPLADS Funds
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Shri Arvind Dharmapuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5290 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2025

## UNUTILIZED MPLADS FUNDS

## 5290. SHRI ARVIND DHARMAPURI:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  a  significant  percentage  of  MPLADS  funds  remain unutilized  across  various  constituencies  and  if  so,  the  details  of unspent  funds  for  each  State  including  Telangana  during  the  last three years;
- (b)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve  fund  utilization and prevent lapses;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  has  introduced  new  guidelines  to enhance transparency in the implementation of MPLADS projects and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to ensure timely project completion and prevent misuse of funds; and
- (e)  whether local  authorities and district collectors are effectively monitoring MPLADS projects and if so, the details thereof along with their roles and responsibilities in project implementation?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS  AND  PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION,  MINISTER  OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CULTURE  [RAO INDERJIT SINGH]

- (a)  The  details  of  unspent  balance  of  MPLAD  funds  are  in  public domain and are available on the website: www.mplads.gov.in under Head  Fund  Release  Statement  (Prior  to  01.04.2023)  and  on  the website: mplads.sbi (From 01.04.2023).
- (b), (c) and (d) The revised set of MPLADS guidelines and new fund flow system came into effect from 01.04.2023 and the eSAKSHI portal

was launched, which is an end to end solution for recommendation, sanction and implementation of works under the MPLAD Scheme. The eSAKSHI portal enables all stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, Central and State Government agencies, district authorities, and others, to monitor the status of funds and projects in real-time through the dashboard. The main functionalities are also available through the mobile app to all the stakeholders to monitor status on the go. This enhances effective implementation of works under the MPLAD Scheme, while promoting greater transparency and accountability. Under the MPLAD Scheme, Hon'ble MPs send their recommendations of development works directly to District Authorities and same are sanctioned and implemented by the District Authorities in accordance with the administrative, financial and technical rules of the  concerned  State/UT  Governments  and  in  accordance  with  the Guidelines on MPLADS. Para-3.2.4  of  the  MPLADS  Guidelines,  2023  stipulates  that  the sanction/rejection  in  respect  of  all  recommendations  made  by  the Member of Parliament shall be issued by the Implementing District Authority within 45 days from the date of receipt of the recommendations to the Implementing District Authority. Para-3.2.12  of  the  MPLADS  Guidelines,  2023  stipulates  that  the sanction letter issued by the  Implementing District Authority shall stipulate a time limit for completion of the work by the Implementing Agency, which should generally not exceed one year. In exceptional cases, for instance in difficult/ hilly terrain, etc., where  the implementation time is likely to exceed one-year, specific justification for the same shall be incorporated in the sanction letter. Para-10.6.1  of  the  MPLADS  Guidelines,  2023  stipulates  that  the Implementing District Authority shall ensure that all works, which are duly sanctioned, are completed within 18 months from the date of his/ her demitting office. (e)  The  roles  and  responsibilities  of  local  authorities  and  district collectors are defined in para 3.2, 4.5 and 4.6 of MPLADS guidelines, which is available on mplads.gov.in.

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