Parliament Question: Delays in the Implementation of MPLADS Works

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No.*44 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2026 DELAYS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MPLADS WORKS *44. DR. DHARAMVIRA GANDHI: Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has prescribed timelines for the execution of works under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether the Government monitors delays in the implementation of MPLADS works and utilisation of MPLADS funds by District Authorities and if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of the action taken by the Government against District Authorities that fail to implement MPLADS works within the prescribed time, delay the utilisation of funds or fail to release payments without valid reasons; (d) whether any District Collectors/Deputy Commissioners or implementing agencies have been issued warnings, show-cause notices, directions or any other administrative action during the last five years for poor implementation of MPLADS works and if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether the Government proposes to introduce a time-bound accountability mechanism including periodic performance evaluation of District Authorities to ensure timely execution of MPLADS works and effective utilisation of public funds and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION, MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE [RAO INDERJIT SINGH] (a) to (e) A statement is laid down on the table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*44 FOR 22nd JULY, 2026 (a) As per Para 3.2.4 of the MPLADS Guidelines, 2023, the sanction/rejection in respect of all recommendations made by the Member of Parliament shall be issued by the Implementing District Authority within 45 days from the date of receipt of the recommendations to the Implementing District Authority. As per para 3.2.6 of the MPLADS Guidelines, 2023, the period of operation of model code of conduct notified by the Election Commission, as applicable to the jurisdiction of a particular Implementing District Authority, shall not be included in the reckoning of time limits as mentioned in para 3.2.4 of the MPLADS Guidelines, 2023. As per Para 3.2.12 of the MPLADS Guidelines, 2023, the sanction letter issued by the Implementing District Authority shall stipulate a time limit for completion of the work by the Implementing Agency, which should generally not exceed one year. In exceptional cases, for instance in difficult/ hilly terrain, etc., where the implementation time is likely to exceed one-year, specific justification for the same shall be incorporated in the sanction letter. (b) The Ministry regularly issues advisories to State Nodal Authorities and conducts monthly and quarterly review meetings with State/UT Governments and District Authorities to ensure timely sanction, execution, and completion of works strictly in accordance with the Scheme guidelines. Further, with the operationalization of the MPLADS eSAKSHI portal for fund flow and project monitoring, real-time visibility of works has enhanced transparency and strengthened oversight of the Scheme Real- time work progress monitoring reports, including details of works pending for sanction beyond 45 days from the date of recommendation, works remaining incomplete after one year of sanction, and works where no payment has been made within three months of sanction, have been made available under State/District logins to facilitate focused monitoring and review at different administrative levels. Zonal workshops are alsoconducted periodically to review progress, resolve bottlenecks, and improve implementation efficiency. (c) & (d) As per the MPLADS Guidelines, the Implementing District Authority shall, before sanctioning any work, ensure that all requisite statutory and regulatory clearances have been obtained from the competent authorities, that the work conforms to the MPLADS Guidelines, and that a written undertaking has been obtained from the concerned User Agency confirming its willingness to bear the operation and maintenance costs of the proposed asset from its own resources. As per Para 4.3.4 of the MPLADS Guidelines 2023, in case of material breach of MPLADS Guidelines by any individual/authority concerned, he/she shall become liable for disciplinary/penal action. The government of the State/UT concerned shall fix responsibility and take necessary disciplinary action against the erring/delinquent officials/implementing agencies/vendors etc. in all such cases of material breach and wilful non- compliance of MPLADS Guidelines. However, it has been observed that delays in the issuance of administrative and technical sanctions for works recommended under the MPLAD Scheme are generally attributable to factors such as submission of incomplete proposals, local disputes, constraints relating to land availability or site feasibility, requirements of statutory clearances, and technical issues at the district level. As per the MPLADS Guidelines, the responsibility for timely scrutiny, sanction, and execution of works rests with the District Authorities. Whenever instances of inordinate delay are brought to the notice of the Ministry, the concerned State/UT Government and District Authority are requested to examine the matter and take appropriate administrative action against the responsible officials under the applicable service rules. They are also advised to strengthen internal monitoring and oversight mechanisms to ensure timely implementation of works recommended by Hon’ble Members of Parliament. Further, the MPLAD Scheme transitioned from Model 2 to Model 1A (TSA Hybrid) from 1 April 2025. Under Model 1A, the PMU-CNA has opened an assignment account with the RBI, linked to the Central Nodal Agency(CNA) bank account. A consolidated daily fund demand based on bills raised in a day on the MPLADS- eSAKSHI is generated, which is pushed to Public Financial Management System (PFMS) for approval. Once approved, funds are transferred from the RBI assignment account to the CNA bank account and thereafter payment is made directly to vendors. This mechanism ensures a fully streamlined process with no parking of funds at any level. (e) The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of MPLAD Scheme for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, coterminous with the period of 16th Finance Commission Cycle. The Ministry is introducing robust provisions in the revised Scheme Guidelines for a comprehensive monitoring framework to ensure effective implementation of the Scheme, with due adherence to the prescribed timelines, that include:  Mandatory inspection of MPLADS works by all stakeholders, including the Central Nodal Agency, State Nodal Authorities, District Authorities, and Implementing Agencies.  Provision for joint inspections by Central and State Government officers.  Inclusion of MPLADS works under the monitoring ambit of Central Prabhari Officers.  Third-party evaluation of MPLADS works to assess quality, outcomes, and compliance.  In addition, the MPLADS e-SAKSHI portal is being continuously enhanced with new functionalities to enable stakeholders to effectively monitor, review, and track the implementation of MPLADS works, thereby promoting greater transparency, accountability, and timely execution. *****