MPLAD scheme does not cover skill upgradation: Centre

New Delhi: Spending on upgrading the skills of workers is not allowed under Member of Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme as its’ objective is to create durable community assets, Parliament was informed today. “The essential objective of the scheme is to create durable community assets. Upgradation of skills of the workers, etc. is not admissible under the MPLAD scheme. At present there is no proposal to change the objective of the scheme,” Statistics Minister Srikant Kumar Jena said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.[caption id=“attachment_1378797” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Statistics Minister Srikant Kumar Jena. Image courtesy PIB[/caption] The minister was replying to a question as to whether the government will consider allowing MPLAD scheme funds to upgrade skills of the workers under the National Development Scheme (NSDC). Under the MPLAD scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the district collector for works to the tune of Rs 5 crore per annum to be taken up in his or her constituency. Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha can recommend works in one or more districts in the state from where he or she has been elected. The nominated MPs of both the Houses may select any one or more districts from any one state in the country for implementation of their choice of work. PTI