The storm of Covid – 19 pandemic made several unpredictable and unimaginable events come true. Entire world restricted itself to the four walls of their houses for over an year in intervals with educational institutions and government machineries being no exception to this.
To an unexpected storm, the government machinery showed its utter failure in all aspects of human life. One among the loopholes which could probably be of help then in the crisis, was MPLAD Scheme elaborated ‘Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme’. With an intention of establishing a durable assets based on locally felt need, in the year 1993 MPLAD Scheme was introduced. MPs have the provision to recommend the developmental works in their constituency. The sum of Rs. 5 crore will be deposited in the treasury of District Administration and will directly be sent to local authorities, based on the need.
When Covid erupted, Government made a decision to suspend the significant scheme with an aim of restoring around rupees 7,900 crore. At the same time, the plan and plotting on Central Vista (Parliamentary building) project continued. When people struggled, suffered and lent help from their representatives for oxygen and hospital beds, MPs had no money to aid the need of people.
Central Government’s aim on restoring the money and aiding the people in a centralised channel was unsuccessful is proved with the chaos and death created during the pandemic. Suspension of MPLAD was an attempt to have food with the feet ignoring the potential hands, which were meant for eating.
Post two years, once again Cabinet has made a decision to restore the suspended MPLAD Scheme and we shall all hope for the better implementation and recommendations of the scheme by our MPs post learning the lesson of scheme’s worth.
