Scheme Overview and Objectives
- MPLADS, launched in December 1993, is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Union government.
- The scheme allows MPs to recommend projects creating durable community assets in constituencies.
- Typical works include roads, school buildings, water facilities, and public infrastructure.
- Each MP can recommend developmental works worth ₹5 crore annually.
Recent Controversy and Guidelines
- BJP alleged misuse by three Congress MPs from Rajasthan allocating funds in Haryana’s Kaithal district.
- The issue raised concerns about cross-State allocation of public funds.
- Congress cited MPLADS Guidelines 2023 permitting up to ₹50 lakh annually outside constituency or State.
- During severe natural calamities, MPs can recommend works up to ₹1 crore nationwide.
Allocation and Utilisation Trends
- During the 18th Lok Sabha, ₹5,486 crore allocated, with ₹1,453.69 crore spent so far.
- In the 17th Lok Sabha, ₹4,837.87 crore allocated, and ₹3,639.53 crore spent.
- Of 96,211 works recommended, 41,143 were completed during the 17th Lok Sabha.
- About 75.23% of allocated funds were utilised, despite COVID-19 disruptions.
Historical Performance Patterns
- In the 16th Lok Sabha, only 8.7% funds remained unutilised.
- During the 15th Lok Sabha, the unused share declined further to 3.47%.
- In the 14th Lok Sabha, merely 0.99% of funds remained unused.
Illustrative Best Practices
- Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal utilised ₹9.34 crore of ₹14.72 crore, focusing on water scarcity solutions.
- Iqra Choudhary maintained geotagged project profiles, improving transparency and public verification.
- Tejasvi Surya spent ₹19.36 crore and recorded high parliamentary engagement.
- Abhishek Banerjee completed 173 projects, spending ₹6.13 crore in his constituency.
Policy Assessment and Way Forward
- The article argues no strong case for discontinuing or reducing MPLADS allocations.
- Suggests capacity-building workshops for MPs to improve planning and fund utilisation.
- Emphasises local development benefits and political accountability through visible constituency assets.