After enhancing the annual allocation for the MPLAD scheme for each MP from Rs 2 to Rs 5 crore,the government has now expanded the scheme to give MPs a larger choice of projects that they can take up under the MPLAD fund. The scheme now allows MPs to fund projects up to Rs 10 lakh outside their own state or Union territory from where they have been elected. Currently,they are allowed to spend on education and culture related projects outside their state or UT. Under the new guidelines,the district authorities can release 75 per cent of the estimated cost of the sanctioned work against the current cap of 50 per cent as first instalment to speed up work. In case of all MPLAD works upto Rs 2 lakh being undertaken by the government agencies,the mount can be released as advance in a single instalment. For works,where either the user agency or the implementing agency is private,the district authorities are authorised to release funds upto 60 per cent of the sanctioned amount as the first instalment. The government has doubled the limit of the amount an MP can contribute in a year to various trusts and societies to Rs 50 lakh for a financial year. The minimum amount sanctioned should not be less than Rs one lakh,barring cases where small items such as hand pumps,solar electric lamps,and computers are required.
