MPLADS' annual allocation raised to 5 crore rupees

A massive hike raised to Rs five crore in the annual allocation for a scheme that enables every MP to recommend development works in their constituencies, was approved by the government on Thursday.The decision to increase the annual allocation for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) from Rs two crore to Rs five crore for each MP from 2011-12, was taken at the meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters in New Delhi. The move would cost the exchequer an additional Rs 2,370 crore annually, raising the total expenditure from Rs 1,580 crore to Rs 3,950 crore per annum.