Cabinet restores MP development scheme

Union minister Anurag Singh Thakur during the cabinet briefing on Wednesday. Pic/PTI

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved restoration and continuation of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which was suspended in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At a press conference, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the scheme has been restored for the remaining part of financial year 2021-22, and will continue till 2025-26. Funds will be released at the rate of Rs 2 crore per MP for the remaining period of 2021-22 in one instalment, he said. From 2022-23 to 2025-26, funds will be released at the rate of Rs 5 crore per annum to each of the MPs in two instalments of R2.5 crore each, he added.

In April last year, the Centre had suspended MPLADS during 2020-21 and 2021-22, and said that the funds would be used for managing health services and the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision had evoked sharp reactions from opposition parties which had criticised the government and had sought its restoration.

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