Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Srikant Kumar Jena, has said that Members of Parliament can now use funds provided under the MPLAD scheme for construction of railway halt stations.
“According to the modified guidelines, funds from MPLAD scheme…can be used for construction of railway halt station to facilitate the local community for easy access to railways and boarding or de-boarding from the train,” Srikant Kumar Jena said in a statement.
Under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the district collector works to the tune of Rs 5 crore per annum to be taken up in his/her constituency.
The statement further stated that as per the new guidelines, if Railways are also contributing for such activities, the accounts of expenditure will be strictly maintained separately for both MPLADS and Railways to avoid any duplication in accounting.
A plaque (steel/metal) indicating the cost involved, contribution made from MPLADS/Railways, if any, commencement, completion and inauguration and the name of the MP sponsoring the work should be permanently erected, it added.
