The Finance Minister today announced a substantial hike in the MPLAD scheme. Replying the debate on the general budget in the Lok Sabha today the Mr. Pranab Mukherjee said that each MP will get now five crores instead of two crores in the scheme. He said it will involve an expenditure of 2370 crore rupees. He however made it clear that in the States where assembly elections have been announced, the funds can be used after the process is over. Refuting the allegations of the Opposition Mr. Pranab Mukherjee said that the issue of black money can be tackled within the framework of law and the system needs to be improved. He explained the rationale of the budget proposals saying that agriculture and infrastructure remained the focus. He said that increasing agricultural productivity and reducing wastage has been his priority and gave the steps envisaged in the budget for the purpose. He said that the agricultural credit has been enhanced manifold and farmers who have been making loan payments continue to get inter subvention. Those farmers who pay their loans in time are paying only four percent interest. He accepted that it is important to augment the electric supply but dismissed the opposition charge that nothing substantial has been done in this sector. The House later passed the supplementary demands for grants for the year 2011-12.