The SC on Thursday upheld the legal validity of the MPLADS. This announcement will undeniably have a bearing on all the MPs, irrespective of their party or caste. After an 11-year hiatus, the SC endorsed the scheme stating that it was for public good. The SC, however, pointed out that efforts to make the regime more robust should be undertaken.
MPLADS, the brainchild of the Narasimha Rao government, was introduced in 1993 when MPs raised concerns over the fact that areas represented by Opposition MPs remained underdeveloped due to the paucity of resources. Recognising the merit in this argument, the scheme was formulated to help MPs execute small development works up to Rs 2 crore to meet the urgent needs of their constituencies. In June 2009, a proposal was moved by MoSPI to increase the allocation to Rs 5 crore. Interestingly, it got the support of a parliamentary committee, which went a step further to recommend an increase to Rs 10 crore. The Planning Commission, however, rejected the proposal in April 2010.
Since its inception, the scheme has attracted a lot of criticism. It was first challenged in 1999 and came under judicial scrutiny in 2005 after a sting operation showed some of the prominent MPs demanding monies from contractors to award projects under the aegis of MPLADS. This led to the eviction of MPs from both the Houses. Post this expos?, there were requests to completely abandon the scheme.
Now, with the apex court defending the scheme and stating that it is intra vires the Constitution, the UPA government must at the very least ensure that all the lacunae are rectified at the earliest to ascertain the judicious use of this fund. Going forward, MPs should consider allocation of funds only after preparing the cost estimates and making public the relevant details of the work plan. They should consult with the local institutions and residents to list and prioritise the proposed projects to avoid lopsided development. This can also serve as an effective tool to summon an MP in case of underperformance. These changes will prevent the scheme from becoming a breeding ground for corruption.
?jaya.jumrani@expressindia.com