New Delhi, Mar 25 (KNN) Since, the country is currently facing an epidemic of corona virus, in view of this, the rules of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) has been amended to allow MPs to use the fund for medical testing and other facilities required to detect and contain coronavirus.

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha took to the twitter to thank the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for relaxation in MPLAD rules.

''Thanks GOI & PM for responding to our request to relax MPLAD rules permitting MPs to use public funds in the war against Corona. This battle is everyone's responsibility. @PMOIndia@WHO,'' he tweeted on Tuesday.

As per earlier guidelines, MPLADS funds can be used only for permanent work.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation then issued fresh guidelines on Tuesday allowing the use of MPLAD fund for the purpose.

The ministry, based on the requests of MPs, has decided that district authorities may utilise MPLADS funds for medical testing, screening and other facilities required to detect and contain COVID-19, an order said.

''It has been decided to grant one-time dispensation under MPLADS fund to buy face masks, gloves and sanitisers for medical personnel, coronavirus testing kits, thermal imaging scanners or cameras for railway stations and airports, and any other medical equipment to check COVID-19, among others,'' the ministry said in the order.