MPLADS Funds for COVID-19
The Union Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) issued a circular allowing the utilisation of the MPLADS funds for tackling the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
MPLADS
MPLADS or Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme is a central government scheme launched in 1993. The scheme provides funds for local development, recommended by members of the Parliament, in their constituencies. The scheme is under the Union Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation.
The Recent Announcement
The ministry had announced that there will be a one-time dispensation for utilising funds from the MPLAD scheme for addressing the local challenges in tackling the COVID-19 situation by the Members of the Parliaments in their constituencies. The MPs will be able to recommend the purchase of equipment, testing kits and other facilities like testing and screening services.
Purchases from the Funds
According to the recent circular, the MPLADS funds could be used for purchasing the following:
- Infra-Red thermometers
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
- Thermal imaging scanners or cameras -for railway stations, airports and other points of entry
- COVID-19 testing kits approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- ICU Ventilator and Isolation/ Quarantine Wards
- Face masks, gloves and sanitizers for medical personnel.
- Any other medical equipment recommended by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for tackling COVID-19.
