(a) whether the Government approached the Members of Parliament (MPs) prior to suspension of MPLADS and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the reasons for suspending MPLADS continuously for 2 years with out any prior indication to/or discussions with MPs;
(c) whether the Government is aware of MPs concerns of the MPs towards such a move; and
(d) if so, whether any steps are being taken to alleviate the concerns?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)
(a) and (b) No, Sir. The Government is making all out efforts to manage the challenges of COVID-19 which has been declared as a global pandemic and a notified disaster in the country and this required pooling of all available physical, financial, medical technologies and other resources. Accordingly, the Government decided not to operate the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for two years, that is during FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 and placed the funds allocated for the FY2020-21 at the disposal of the Ministry of Finance for strengthening its efforts in managing the challenges of COVID-19 and its adverse impact on society.
(c) and (d) Yes, Sir. The Ministry has issued detailed instructions vide its circular dated 08.04.2020 wherein inter-alia Hon’ble Members have been requested to reprioritize their recommendations in consultation with District Authorities and District Authorities have also been advised to ensure that works are completed from among the available funds as no more funds would be released during FY 2020-21 and 2021-22.
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