In defence of MPLADS-THE HINDU-17-06-2020

Context:The suspension of the MPLADS for 2020-21 and 2021-22 in the wake of the pandemic has done away with this vital role of MPs.

Details:

*As Parliament is a multifunctional institution, an MP is a multifunctional representative. His representative and grievance ventilation functions should not end with petitioning ministers and officials. An MP knows the developmental and welfare issues of his constituency better than anyone else.

*The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme has enabled MPs to play a leadership role in the developmental process of his constituency and sort out its day-to-day problems.

*The suspension of the MPLADS for 2020-21 and 2021-22 in the wake of the pandemic has done away with this vital role of MPs.

* The government’s decision to suspend MPLADS funds for two years evoked mixed reactions. A close examination of the arguments against the MPLADS will expose their hollowness.

*The vital role of an MP in the MPLADS ends with selecting micro development projects for his constituency.

* The ruling party channels public money to particular constituencies based on political considerations, at the expense of broader public interests. MPLADS has been an antidote to this favouritism.

*The Scheme provided opposition MPs some chance to cater to the developmental needs of their constituency.

*The suspension of the Scheme has snatched away this limited opportunity.

Aspirations of the marginalised:

*Around Rs20 lakh of the MPLADS fund per annum has been allotted for the welfare of differently abled people. Suspension of the MPLADS undermines the developmental aspirations of these marginalised segments. The suspension of the MPLADS undermines the prestige of MPs vis-à-vis MLAs.

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Paper-GS-03

Category: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE