JOIN USAiming to create more durable assets in the country, the Centre on Monday announced convergence of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme with the rural employment guarantee scheme MGNREGS.
As per the new guidelines for the scheme, “funds from MPLAD scheme can be converged with MGNREGS with the objective of creating more durable assets.” In the new framework, under the MPLAD scheme, MPs may recommend works from out of the shelf of MGNREGA projects approved by the Zilla Panchayat for the year. But as far as possible, the MPLADS Funds will be used in respect of material component only.
The guideline further mandated that once a work is recommended for MGNREGS, MPs will not be authorised to withdraw the same. In case of request of withdrawal of MPLADS Funds, no objection certificate from MGNREGS would be required.
For projects where both schemes would be converged, the guidelines of MGNREGS shall be strictly followed and the Gram Panchayat shall be nominated as the Implementing Agency by the District Planning Committee (DPC), the statement said.