(a) the unspent MPLAD funds accumulated over the period of time;
(b) the reasons for the accumulation;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to reduce the unspent funds
in a time bound manner;
(d) whether the Government proposes to create a separate technical
wing to undertake MPLAD fund works order to decentralise the work
burden on the public works department and the civil wing of the
zilla parishads; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND
PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI G.K. VASAN)
(a) The unspent balance of MPLADS funds at the all India level, as compiled from the
Monthly Progress Reports received from the districts upto 31.3.2008, is Rs. 2136.63 crore.
(b) Under the MPLAD Scheme, incurring of expenditure (thereby reducing the unspent balance)
and concomitant release of funds, takes place continuously, throughout the year. As per the
MPLADS Guidelines, on receipt of Monthly Progress Report reflecting unsanctioned balance less
than Rs. 50 lakh and unspent balance less than Rs. 1 crore, Utilization Certificate for the
previous financial year and Audit Certificate for the year prior to the previous financial
year, the second instalment of funds and subsequently the succeeding first instalment is
released, if due. Therefore, in view of the nature and dynamics of the scheme and the fact
that funds are released to different Lok Sabha constituencies and Rajya Sabha MPs at different
points of time, unspent balances, which also include a sizeable amount of interest accrued
on the funds released, are bound to exist at any given point of time. Further, as in the
case of funds released, the unspent balances are also non-lapsable.
(c) There has been a remarkable reduction in the unspent balance from 2004-05 onwards,
due to proactive policies such as introduction of the criteria of release of funds only
when unspent balance is below Rs. 1 crore, and result oriented reviews at the Centre,
State and districts level. The unspent balance, which was Rs. 2404.26 crore as on
31.3.2004,is now Rs. 2136.63 crore as on 31.3.2008.
(d) No, Sir.
(e) Does not arise.