UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 64
With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?
- MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education etc.
- A specified portion of each MP's fund must benefit SC! ST populations
- MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year:
- The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (1, 2 & 4 only)
Explanation: MPLADS supports durable community infrastructure; its guidelines earmark funds for SC/ST areas and require district-level monitoring. Its allocations are non-lapsable and unused amounts can be carried forward.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct - Funds generally finance durable public assets such as schools, health and sanitation infrastructure.
2. Correct - A specified earmarking applies for works in SC- and ST-inhabited areas.
3. Incorrect - Unspent MPLADS allocations are non-lapsable and carry over.
4. Correct - District authorities must inspect a specified share, at least 10%, of sanctioned works annually in relevant guidelines.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-omits correct item 4 (District authorities must inspect a specified share, at least 10%, of sanctioned works annually in relevant guidelines).
B. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 3 (Unspent MPLADS allocations are non-lapsable and carry over); omits correct item 1 (Funds generally finance durable public assets such as schools, health and sanitation infrastructure); omits correct item 2 (A specified earmarking applies for works in SC- and ST-inhabited areas).
C. Incorrect-includes incorrect item 3 (Unspent MPLADS allocations are non-lapsable and carry over); omits correct item 4 (District authorities must inspect a specified share, at least 10%, of sanctioned works annually in relevant guidelines).
D. Correct-includes all and only valid statements/items 1, 2, 4.
Review note: MPLADS was temporarily suspended during 2020–21/2021–22; these are scheme-design guidelines, not evidence of releases during suspension.