Do you think that the diversion of MPLADS funds for pandemic is a misconceived strategy by the Government of India? Analyse (200 Words)
Refer - The Indian Express
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands
IAS Parliament 5 years
KEY POINTS
· The government decided to suspend operation of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for the next two financial years, and divert Rs 7,900 crore to the fight against COVID-19.
· It is important to understand the MPLADS, and why these resources are needed now more than ever. In the classical constitutional construct premised upon the principle of separation of powers, the legislature is not supposed to play an executive role.
· MPLAD funds cannot be spent at the discretion of an MP in any manner he/she wants. There is a set of guidelines mandating the utilisation of the monies.
· These orders are updated regularly and are available on the website of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. A complete breakdown of how the money is utilised is also available under the Right to Information (RTI).
· The funds spent are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Moreover, the MPs can only recommend development works and the money is electronically transferred to the concerned executing agency directly by the district administration.
· The government came out with a notification that permitted MPs to utilise their funds for the purchase of infra-red thermometers, personal protection equipments, thermal imaging scanners, corona testing kits, ICU ventilators, face masks, gloves and sanitisers and other necessary medical equipment. Mysteriously, 11 days later, the scheme was scrapped.
· Another letter was received requesting MPs to give their consent for the release of Rs 1 crore from their next MPLAD instalment for the fiscal 2020-21 “to such central government pool or head of account as may be decided by the Government of India for prevention and control of COVID-19 in the country”.
· Not many MPs responded. Not because they are insensitive, but primarily because most of us were dealing with the human fallout of the ill-conceived and badly implemented lockdown.
· MPLADS is a very nimble and effective scalpel of targeted micro-level intervention. In the months and days ahead, when distress — medical and economic — will haunt the countryside, these discretionary interventions will help save lives.
