(a) whether the MPLADS funds are not sent within the prescribed time-frame to the concerned District Collectors;
(b) if so, the norms to ensure timely release of the MPLADS funds;
(c) whether the District Collectors act arbitrarily in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE), MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME
IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND
FERTILIZERS (SHRI SRIKANT KUMAR JENA)
(a) & (b) At the time of constitution of Lok Sabha and election of a Rajya
Sabha member the first installment of MPLADS funds of Rs. 2.5 crore is released
to the Nodal District Authority immediately on receipt of the choice of Nodal
District from the Hon’ble MP without any eligibility documents. The subsequent
installments are released by the Government on receipt of the requisite documents
viz the Monthly Progress Report fulfilling the eligibility criteria i.e. the
unsanctioned balance less than Rs.1 crore and the unspent balance with the
district authority less than Rs.2.50 crore, the Utilization Certificate and
the Audit Certificate from the respective Nodal District Authorities of the MPs
as stipulated in the guidelines. Delay in furnishing complete and correct documents
by the District Authority results in delay in release of funds in some cases.
(c)&(d) As per the guidelines, the District Authority is required to furnish
a consolidated Utilization Certificate and audited certificate for MPs every year to
the State Government and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Also, the District Authority is required to forward progress reports of MPLADS
implementation every month (MPRs) on or before 10th day of the succeeding month.
In some cases due to delay in implementation and/or non-reporting of utilization/
non furnishing of utilization certificates by the implementing districts to the
nodal districts, the nodal district authority is not able to furnish the MPRs
reflecting unsanctioned/unspent balances below prescribed limit and also the
consolidated utilization certificate.