Parliament Question: Framework and institutional strengthening of MPLADS

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1919 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 FRAMEWORK AND INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING OF MPLADS 1919. SHRI RYAGA KRISHNAIAH: SHRI SHAMBHU SHARAN PATEL: SHRI KESRIDEVSINH JHALA: DR. PARMAR JASHVANTSINH SALAMSINH: Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is examining continuation or restructuring of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) framework beyond the current operational period and, if so, the broad contours under consideration; (b) whether any inter-ministerial or financial appraisal exercises that have been undertaken to review the performance, utilisation trends and implementation efficiency of MPLADS in recent years; (c) if so, the details thereof; and (d) the steps taken to institutionalise periodic review and coordination mechanisms with States and UTs for improved implementation of MPLADS? 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) The approval of the Cabinet for the MPLAD Scheme is valid up to 31 March 2026. At present, the proposal regarding its continuation beyond the current approval period i.e. from 2026-27 to 2030-31 is under consideration of the Government and will be processed in accordance with the prescribed procedure. (b) & (c) No Sir. However, the Ministry has conducted a Third-Party Physical Evaluation of the MPLADS works completed during the period 01.04.2019 to 31.03.2024, in 504 nodal districts across the country to ascertain and assess various aspects of implementation of the MPLAD Scheme. The key findings of the Report of Third-Party Physical Evaluation are as below: i. 100% of assets selected as sample were located at the time of field evaluation. ii. Based on the primary findings, 94.56% of the assets were found as functional, indicating effective execution and usability of the majority of projects. iii. Overall, 82.27% of the assets surveyed were reported to be properly maintained.iv. It was found that 87.24% of recommended projects were sanctioned within the prescribed timelines. v. Based on the data received, 86.72% of works were completed within the prescribed timelines of 365 days. vi. At the community level, MPLADS assets are expected to provide better social infrastructure, strengthened local connectivity, and created spaces that foster collective well-being. vii. During field visits, 77.04% respondents gave the feedback that the project has contributed to the overall development of their community, while 95.82% of respondents reported that the MPLAD Scheme has increased their trust in governance and public authorities. (d) The MPLAD scheme has a robust monitoring mechanism at Central, State/UT, Nodal District and Implementing Agency level with well-defined roles and responsibilities. Roles and responsibilities at various levels have been enumerated in Chapter 4 of the MPLADS Guidelines, 2023. 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 eSAKSHI portal for fund flow and project monitoring, real-time visibility of works has enhanced transparency and strengthened oversight of the Scheme. The data regarding works pending sanction beyond 45 days of recommendation, works incomplete after one year of sanction, and works where no payment has been made within three months of sanction are now available for all States/UTs under their login to monitor the status of works on a real time basis. All India as well as Zonal workshops are conducted by the Ministry periodically to review progress, resolve bottlenecks, and improve implementation efficiency. *****