New Delhi: Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the restoration and continuation of members of the local parliamentary development scheme (MPLAD), which was suspended considering the Covid-19 pandemic.
Overcoming a press conference after a cabinet meeting was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said this scheme was restored for the rest of the 2021-22 financial year.
This scheme will continue until 2025-26.
Funds will be released at the level of Rs 2 Crore per MP for the remaining period 2021-22 in one installment, he said.
From 2022-23 to 2025-26, funds will be released based on the scheme at the level of RS 5 Crore per year to each member of the parliament in two installments of Rs 2.5 Crore each, he added.
In April last year, the government had suspended MPLAD for 2020-21 and 2021-22, and said that the funds would be used to manage health services and the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic in this country.
Under the scheme, parliamentarians can recommend development programs involving RS 5 Crore expenditure every year in their constituency.