Question : REVIEW OF MPLADS FUND

(a) whether there is any proposal to review MPLADS funds;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is a demand for enhancing MPLAD fund from the present ceiling of Rs. 2 crore to 5 crore for each member of both Houses:

(d) if so, the action taken by the Union Government thereon;

(e) the extent of unspent balance during the 13th Lok Sabha in all;

(f) whether the unspent balance would be distributed equally amongst the Members of the Fourteenth Lok Sabha; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES)

(a) to (g) A statement is laid on the Table of the Lok Sabha.

Statement referred to in reply to parts (a) to (g) of Starred Question No. 436 due for answer on the 25th August, 2004 in the Lok Sabha.

(a) No, Sir.

(b) Does not arise.

(c) & (d) Yes, Sir. The request for the enhancement of MPLADS allocation from the present level of Rs. 2 crore per Member of Parliament has been considered, and at present has not been found feasible.

(e) As per the reports received from the District Administrations so far, the unspent balance was Rs.1,606.62 crore on 29th February, 2004 and Rs. 1,367.84 crore on 24th August, 2004 in respect of all Lok Sabha Constituencies.

(f) & (g) No, Sir, as the allocation is meant for the concerned Lok Sabha constituency. After deducting the committed liabilities, the unspent balance is available for the successor Member of Parliament.