Over 560 works recommended by MPs found ineligible
Cost escalation of over Rs 12 cr noticed in executed works
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Feb 17: Several State Government departments have failed to complete within specified time-frame 576 developmental works worth several crores of rupees sanctioned under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) during the past four years thereby depriving people of the benefits of the scheme of the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Moreover, over 560 works recommended by the Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir could not be taken up for execution during this period for not meeting the guidelines of the Scheme.
The MPLAD Scheme is essentially for the developmental works and creation of durable community assets. The MPs have recommendatory role and District Authorities (Nodal Officers) are responsible for implementation as per the administrative, financial and technical rules of the State Government and in accordance with the guidelines of the Scheme.
Under the MPLAD Scheme, each Member of Parliament has the choice to suggest to the District Collector for execution the works to the tune of Rs 5 crore per annum to be taken up in his/her constituency.
As per the official data, the copy of which is available with EXCELSIOR, a total of 6094 works were recommended by the Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir during the period between 2015-16 and December 31, 2018 under the MPLAD Scheme to the District Authorities for execution.
Of these, 5532 works were formally sanctioned as per the guidelines of the Scheme and 4956 were completed as such a total of 576 works could not be completed within the specified time-frame due to slackness on the part of Government departments and other implementing agencies thereby depriving the targeted population of the benefits of the Scheme.
As per the breakup, during 2015-16, a total of 1841 works were recommended by MPs but only 1472 were formally sanctioned in the light of the guidelines of the Scheme. However, only 1224 were completed by the concerned implementing agencies.
Similarly, during 2016-17, a total of 1554 works were recommended, 1525 works sanctioned and only 1224 were completed. A total of 1545 works were recommended, 1527 received sanction and 1526 works were completed during 2017-18 while as during 2018-19 (till December 31, 2018), only 982 works were completed against 1008 sanctioned by the District Authorities. Actually, MPs had recommended 1154 works during 2018-19.
About the reasons behind denial of formal sanction to 562 works recommended by the MPs, sources said, “all these works failed to meet the guidelines of the MPLAD Scheme as such District Authorities found it appropriate not to take up the same for execution”. They stressed that MPs should carefully go through the guidelines before recommending the works instead of succumbing to the pressure of workers and party leaders.
As per the data, cost escalation of over Rs 12 crore was also noticed in the works completed during the period between 2015-16 and December 31, 2018. This is evident from the fact that cost of 5532 works sanctioned as per the guidelines of the MPLAD Scheme was Rs 166.55 crore but the same were completed at a cost of Rs 178.74 crore.
In response to a question, sources said, “generally delay in utilization of MPLADS funds is due to delay in sanction by District Authorities and implementation but the specific reasons vary from case to care”, adding “the delay in completion of works is notwithstanding the fact that specific timelines have been fixed in the MPLADS guidelines for sanction of eligible works, rejection of ineligible works and completion of sanctioned works”.
“The delay in completion of 576 works is also a reflection on the performance of District Authorities as they are required to take appropriate action as per the guidelines of the scheme to ensure timely completion of works”, sources further said.
They stressed that the State Level Committee, which has the mandate to periodically review the implementation of MPLADS, should try to ascertain the specific reasons behind delay in completion of such a large number of works and take corrective measures so that benefits of the Scheme percolate to the targeted population.
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