With reference to the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), consider the following statements: 1. The funds allocated under this scheme are non-lapsable and the unspent balance can be carried forward to the subsequent financial year. 2. Of the annual entitlement, at least 15% must be allocated for areas with Scheduled Tribes (ST) population and 7.5% for Scheduled Castes (SC) population. 3. District authorities are mandated to inspect at least 10% of the projects being executed under this scheme every year. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: MPLADS funds are distributed on an annual basis. However, these funds are non-lapsable, meaning that unspent funds in a given year do not lapse and can be carried forward for use in subsequent years. Statement 2 is incorrect: Out of the annual allocation under MPLADS, MPs must recommend works costing at least 15% for areas inhabited by Scheduled Castes (SC) population and 7.5% for areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribes (ST) population. (The percentages are swapped in the statement). Statement 3 is correct: To ensure proper implementation, district authorities must inspect at least 10% of the works under implementation every year.