With reference to the funds under Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which of the following statements are correct?
- MPLADS funds must be used to create durable assets like physical infrastructure for health, education, etc.
- A specified portion of each MP's fund must benefit SC/ST populations.
- MPLADS funds are sanctioned on yearly basis and the unused funds cannot be carried forward to the next year.
- The district authority must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation every year. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Correct Answer: Option D
Statement 1 is correct: The primary objective of the MPLADS is to enable Members of Parliament (MPs) to recommend development works that create durable community assets. These assets should be based on locally felt needs and can include infrastructure related to roads, electricity, drinking water, health, and education.
Statement 2 is correct: MPs are required to recommend works costing at least 15% of the MPLADS entitlement for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste (SC) populations and 7.5% for areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations.
Statement 3 is not correct: Funds released under the MPLADS are non-lapsable. This means that any unspent funds are carried forward to the next year.
Statement 4 is correct: The District Authority is responsible for the overall coordination and supervision of works under the scheme at the district level and must inspect at least 10% of all works under implementation each year.
Hence, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
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