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CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds - UPSC Polity And Governance
What is CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds in UPSC Polity And Governance?
CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds is a key topic under Polity And Governance for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: Delhi High Court ruled that CIC has no jurisdiction over MPLADS fund utilization.. MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, for local asset creation.. MPs recommend developmental works in areas like water, education, health, and roads.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
Why is CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds important for UPSC exam?
CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Polity And Governance. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
How to prepare CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds for UPSC?
To prepare CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Polity And Governance. (5) Write practice answers linking CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds to related GS Paper topics.
Key takeaways of CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds for UPSC
- Delhi High Court ruled that CIC has no jurisdiction over MPLADS fund utilization.
- MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, for local asset creation.
- MPs recommend developmental works in areas like water, education, health, and roads.
- Scheme scope expanded in June 2016 to include national campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
- Each MP receives Rs. 5 crore annually (non-lapsable funds).
- The scheme lacks statutory backing, making it susceptible to arbitrary changes.
- Criticized by NCRWC (2002) and 2nd ARC (2007) for violating division of powers and encroaching on local bodies.
CIC Jurisdiction over MPLADS Funds
Medium⏱️ 7 min read
polity and governance
📖 Introduction
Recent Delhi High Court Ruling
The Delhi High Court recently delivered a significant ruling concerning the Central Information Commission (CIC). It stated that the CIC lacks the authority to comment on the utilization of funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
This ruling clarifies the jurisdictional boundaries between the CIC, established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and the executive functions related to MPLADS funds. Understanding this distinction is crucial for UPSC Mains GS-II.
What is MPLADS?
The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) is a Central Sector Scheme. It was officially announced in 1993 with the aim of enabling Members of Parliament to initiate developmental works in their constituencies.
Central Sector Scheme: A scheme fully funded and implemented by the Central Government agencies.
Objectives of MPLADS
The primary objective of MPLADS is to empower MPs to recommend works that are developmental in nature. These works focus on creating durable community assets within their constituencies.
Key areas of focus include drinking water, primary education, public health, sanitation, and roads. These initiatives directly benefit local communities.
Since June 2016, the scope of MPLADS funds was expanded. Funds can now be utilized for implementing schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), water conservation through rainwater harvesting, and Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
Implementation Mechanism
The implementation process for MPLADS begins with Members of Parliament (MPs). They recommend specific works to the designated Nodal District Authority.
The Nodal District Authority holds the responsibility for executing these eligible works. They also maintain detailed records of all individual projects undertaken and the corresponding expenditure under the scheme.
Funding and Recommendation Guidelines
Under MPLADS, each MP receives Rs. 5 crore annually. This amount is disbursed in two equal installments of Rs. 2.5 crore each.
A significant feature of MPLADS funds is that they are non-lapsable. This means any unspent amount from a previous year is carried forward to the next year.
Lok Sabha MPs are required to recommend projects within their respective Lok Sabha constituencies. This ensures development is focused on their electoral area.
Rajya Sabha MPs, on the other hand, must recommend works in the state from which they were elected to the Upper House. This provides flexibility for state-level development.
Nominated Members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have the unique privilege of recommending works anywhere across the country. This broadens their impact potential.
Lack of Statutory Backing
A critical aspect of the MPLAD Scheme is its lack of statutory backing. It is not governed by any specific law passed by Parliament.
This absence of a legal framework makes the scheme vulnerable to arbitrary changes by the government in power. It can lead to inconsistencies in its operation and objectives.
Criticism and Recommendations for Termination
The MPLADS scheme has faced significant criticism from various authoritative bodies. Both the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002) and the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2007) recommended its termination.
National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC): Chaired by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, it submitted its report in 2002.
2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC): Chaired by Veerappa Moily, it submitted its report in 2007.
Their primary argument against the scheme centers on its perceived incompatibility with the division of power. They argue that it blurs the lines between the responsibilities of the central government and state governments, encroaching upon the domain of local bodies and state legislatures.
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Delhi High Court ruled that CIC has no jurisdiction over MPLADS fund utilization.
- •MPLADS is a Central Sector Scheme, launched in 1993, for local asset creation.
- •MPs recommend developmental works in areas like water, education, health, and roads.
- •Scheme scope expanded in June 2016 to include national campaigns like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
- •Each MP receives Rs. 5 crore annually (non-lapsable funds).
- •The scheme lacks statutory backing, making it susceptible to arbitrary changes.
- •Criticized by NCRWC (2002) and 2nd ARC (2007) for violating division of powers and encroaching on local bodies.
🧠 Memory Techniques
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📚 Reference Sources
•Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) - Guidelines on MPLADS Scheme
•Reports of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002)
•Reports of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (2007)
•News reports and legal analyses regarding the Delhi High Court ruling