Rs 3,003.5 cr pending for release under MPLAD scheme: Govt

NEW DELHI: The government today said as much as Rs 3,003.5 crore has not been released under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development ( MPLAD) scheme because of non-receipt of documents like utilisation certifications.

"Against the entitlement of the MPs up to March 31, 2013, an amount of Rs 3,003.5 crore is pending for release due to non-receipt of documents as stipulated in the MPLAD scheme", Statistics and Programme Implementation Minister Srikant Kumar Jena said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

Under the MPLAD scheme, MPs can recommend development works in their constituency and the respective district administration is responsible for implementation.

The scheme mandates submission of fund utilisation certificates after the implementation of these development works.

In case of non-receipt of these certifications, central government does not release funds under the scheme for remaining recommended works by the MPs for their constituency.

Under the scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the District Collector for, works to the tune of Rs 5 crore per annum to be taken up in his or her constituency.

The Rajya Sabha member of Parliament can recommend works in one or more districts in the state from where he or she has been elected.

The nominated members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may select any one or more districts from any one state in the country for implementation of their choice of work under the scheme.