Govt decides to resume MPLAD fund scheme

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 10

The Union Government on Wednesday announced it had decided to restore the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme for the remaining part of the financial year 2021-22 and would continue it till 2025-26.

Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Anurag Thakur said this was being done in view of the “green shoots” in the Indian economy. “Funds under the scheme would be released at Rs 2 crore per MP for the remaining period of fiscal year 2021-22 in one go and at Rs 5 crore per annum per MP during FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26 in two installments of Rs 2.5 crore each,” he explained.

The government had suspended the MPLAD Scheme amid the Covid-19 pandemic early last year to use the funds to fight the deadly virus. The decision had evoked a sharp reaction from the Opposition.The Congress had argued that it would undermine the role of MPs. The TMC had called the step “whimsical” and “undemocratic”.

FM to meet bankers

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet heads of banks and financial institutions next week to remove friction in credit flow to productive sectors hit by the pandemic. The two-day conference, beginning November 17, would see participation of all public sector banks.