Best use of MPLADS Fund in Gujarat in FY 2022-23, UP got Maximum Funds

Current Context: MPLADS is a central government scheme under which MPs can programs in their constituencies with an expenditure of Rs 5 crore every year.

• The state of Gujarat achieved the highest utilization ratio of MPLADS funds in FY23, with 145.11% of the allocated ₹66 crore utilized. Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Kerala also had high utilization ratios of 128.45%, 127.76%, and 122.33%, respectively.
• The MPLADS scheme was suspended during the initial stages of the pandemic and was resumed only in November 2021.

Maximum Funds

• The allocation of funds to each state is determined based on the number of MPs elected from the state.
• For instance, Uttar Pradesh, with 80 Lok Sabha MPs, received ₹427.5 crore and utilized 99% of the allocated funds by March 27, 2023.
• Maharashtra, Bihar, and West Bengal received ₹341.34 crore, ₹219.95 crore, and ₹182.17 crore respectively, following Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, four union territories - Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli - did not receive any funds in FY23.
• Sikkim received the smallest amount of ₹2 crore among all the states. The scheme was put on hold due to the pandemic and was resumed in November 2021.
• Gujarat had the highest utilization ratio of MPLADS funds, with ₹66 crore allocated to the state and a utilization ratio of 145.11%.
• Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Kerala also utilized the funds efficiently, with utilization ratios of 128.45%, 127.76%, and 122.33% respectively.

MPLAD Scheme

• The MPLAD scheme is a Central Sector Scheme that was introduced in December 1993 to enable MPs to suggest developmental works with an emphasis on creating durable community assets in areas such as drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, and roads, etc., in their respective constituencies.
• Since June 2016, MPLAD funds have also been permitted to be utilized for implementing schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Sulabh Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), water conservation through rainwater harvesting, and Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, among others.

Question:

Q.1 Which state has made use of MPLADS fund?
a. Rajasthan
b. Gujarat
c. Haryana
d. Delhi