MPLADS–eSAKSHI (SAnsad sadasya sthaniya KSHetra vIkas yojana) web portal is a digital governanace initiative of the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) to implement the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme. It was introduced with effect from 1 April 2023 to manage the revised fund-flow procedure under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). About MPLADS scheme The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Division is entrusted with the responsibility of implementation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). Under the scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the District Collector for works to the tune of Rs.5 Crores per annum to be taken up in his/her constituency. The Rajya Sabha Members of Parliament can recommend works in one or more districts in the State from where he/she has been elected. The Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha may select any one or more Districts from any one State in the Country for implementation of their choice of work under the scheme. To know more, click here. Salient features of MPLADS-eSAKSHI portal The eSAKSHI portal provides login credentials to all stakeholders of the Scheme, including Hon’ble MPs, the Central Nodal Agency (MoSPI), State Nodal Authorities, District Authorities and Implementing Agencies. Hon’ble MPs use the portal to recommend eligible developmental works in their constituencies and earmark funds from their annual entitlement. For Hon’ble MPs, the total amount recommended on the portal reflects utilisation of the funds allocated to them under the Scheme. The responsibility for sanctioning and execution of the recommended works rests with the District Authorities. After undertaking necessary feasibility checks, District Authorities sanction the works and designate Implementing Agencies for execution. As per Scheme guidelines, sanctioned works are generally required to be completed within one year from the date of sanction. Implementing Agencies raise vendor payment requests on the portal at various stages of execution, in accordance with the sanction orders issued by the District Authorities. The expenditure figures displayed on the dashboard represent total vendor payments released against completed and ongoing works. Data on the eSAKSHI portal is updated in real time, based on inputs provided by stakeholders through their respective logins. Details of recommendations are updated after recommendations are sent to Districts by Hon’ble MPs, sanction status is updated by District Authorities once they approve and sanction the works and progress of works is updated by Implementing Agencies. Upon release of the final payment, Implementing Agencies are required to mark the work as “complete” on the portal. The eSAKSHI portal also provides for uploading images of assets and relevant documents at each stage of payment processing. Implementing Agencies upload photographs of assets at different stages of completion along with documents such as sanction orders to facilitate correct interpretation and understanding by the public and other stakeholders. The eSAKSHI public dashboard has been revamped to provide additional information, including works recommended, works sanctioned, works completed, expenditure on completed and ongoing works as on date and amounts consented for calamity. These details are available through drill-down tabs for greater clarity at the revamped public dashboard The details of works recommended and sanctioned in respect of the 17th Lok Sabha (from the year 2023-24) are available on the eSAKSHI portal . Similarly, data relating to works recommended and sanctioned by Rajya Sabha Members from 2023–24 is available on the eSAKSHI portal. Benefits of the MPLADS-eSAKSHI portal Prior to 1 April 2023, the MPLADS Scheme was implemented in physical mode. Information regarding works recommended and sanctioned district-wise was maintained by the respective District Authorities, and expenditure was incurred through physical bank accounts maintained at the district level. With the launch of the eSAKSHI portal, the annual entitlement of Hon’ble Members of Parliament (MPs) is made available through online authorisations at the beginning of each financial year or tenure. The portal aims to improve data accuracy, transparency and public understanding of the implementation of the MPLADS Scheme. How to access To visit the MPLADS-eSAKSHI portal, click here.