The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has taken several preventive measures so far, in line with the efforts being made by the government to stop the spread of Kovid-19. The Ministry has issued a circular regarding allowing lump sum disbursement for the use of funds under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to address the challenges in the fight against Kovid-19.
- This will make it easier for the Member of Parliament to approve the purchase of equipment for government hospitals/dispensaries for medical examination and examination of patients. With this, the way will be cleared for them to establish other related facilities in their respective parliamentary constituencies.
- Under the amendment of MPLADS guidelines, Members of Parliament can now use the funds under MPLADS for the following purposes: –
- i) For infra-red thermometers (non-contract) to enable physicians and medical staff to record and monitor a person’s temperature.
- ii) Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to make medical staff more secure and to enable them to work efficiently, minimizing the risk of spreading Kovid-19 disease.
- iii) Installation of thermal imaging scanners or cameras at railway stations, airports and other points of entry, so that it is possible to know the temperature from a safe distance.
- iv) For corona test kit approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- v) For setting up ICU ventilators and isolation/quarantine wards within the approved facilities.
- vi) Face masks, gloves and sanitizers for medical staff and any other medical device approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for prevention, control and treatment of Kovid-19.
Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)
- The MP Local Area Development Scheme i.e. ‘MPLAD’ scheme was launched on 23 December 1993 by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao to provide such a mechanism to the MPs to build sustainable community assets and community as per the needs of the local people. To provide them with basic facilities including infrastructure, they can recommend developmental works.
- The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has been entrusted with the implementation of the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD). Under the scheme, each MP has been given the option to suggest to the District Collector about works costing up to Rs 5 crore in his constituency.
- The Rajya Sabha MP can recommend works in any one or more districts of the state from which he has been elected. Nominees of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can work under this scheme by electing one or more districts of their choice in any state of the country.