The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, has launched the eSAKSHI portal in collaboration with the State Bank of India with effect from 1 April 2023 for implementing the Revised Fund Flow Procedures under the MPLAD Scheme. By integrating MP recommendations, sanctioning by District Authorities, and execution by Implementing Agencies on a single digital platform, the eSAKSHI portal has streamlined fund releases, eliminated the need for physical accounts, enabled end-to-end digital functionalities for all stakeholders, and simplified workflow through secure verification mechanisms. These enhancements have led to improved efficiency, transparency, real-time tracking, and better coordination among stakeholders, thereby accelerating project execution and strengthening accountability across all levels of implementation.

All States and Union Territories (UTs) have been successfully onboarded and trained on the e-SAKSHI portal. To further strengthen user familiarity and effective utilization of the platform, the Ministry regularly conducts workshops, webinars, and hands-on training sessions for stakeholders, including representatives from States/UTs and Hon’ble Members of Parliament. These capacity-building initiatives are ongoing and are organized based on requests received from various States and UTs, ensuring continued support and engagement across all levels.

Additionally, kiosks are set up during each Parliament session (since the Monsoon Session of 2023) to assist MPs with MPLADS-related processes and the use of the e-SAKSHI portal. A dedicated helpdesk operates from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all working days during Parliament sessions, providing support to MPs and other stakeholders to ensure smooth utilization of MPLADS funds. To aid users further, the Ministry has made user manuals and instructional videos available on the portal.

The eSAKSHI web portal has brought in a seamless integration of MP recommendations, sanctioning by District Authority and execution by Implementing Agency; contributing to a well-coordinated and efficient workflow. The portal also provides greater visibility of the progress of works on real time basis through customized login, progress reports and dashboards. This has increased the efficiency in the working of the MPLAD Scheme, while bringing in greater transparency and accountability in the system. A mobile application has also been launched, which enables Members of Parliament to recommend and monitor works under the scheme on-the-go.

The eSAKSHI portal goes through dynamic review and regular updates. The Ministry regularly evaluates feedback from various stakeholders, making necessary modifications to improve the portal's usability and ensure its smooth functioning. This ensures the portal remains responsive and efficient in its operations.

The MPLADS Guidelines, 2023 has specific provisions stipulating timelines for implementing District Authorities and Implementing Agencies to ensure timely sanction, execution and completion of works recommended by the Hon'ble MPs as given below:

• Para-3.2.4: The Sanction/rejection in respect of all recommendations made by the Member of Parliament shall be issued by the Implementing District Authority within 45 days from the date of receipt of the recommendations to the Implementing District Authority.
• Para-3.2.12: The sanction letter issued by the Implementing District Authority shall stipulate a time limit for completion of the work by the Implementing Agency, which should generally not exceed one year. In exceptional cases, for instance in difficult/ hilly terrain, etc., where the implementation time is likely to exceed one-year, specific justification for the same shall be incorporated in the sanction letter.
• Para 10.6.1: The Implementing District Authority shall ensure that all works, which are duly sanctioned, are completed within 18 months from the date of his/her demitting office.

Further, Ministry conducts monthly review meetings with the States/UTs to review the implementation of the MPLAD Scheme. For objective monitoring, regular updates on pendency are shared with States and Union Territories, including details of works yet to be sanctioned beyond 45 days, works not completed even after one year of sanction, and works where no payments have been made three months post-sanction.

This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

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Samrat/ Allen

(Release ID: 2153066)