Gujarat MPs Underuse Development Funds; Just 4.2% of MPLADS Budget Spent

After the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha, Gujarat’s 26 Members of Parliament were collectively allocated ₹254.8 crore under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). However, as per the latest data, only ₹10.72 crore, merely 4.2% of the sanctioned amount has been utilized so far, raising concerns over the ineffective use of public welfare funds.

Out of a total 3,823 projects recommended by Gujarat MPs for local development, only 93 projects (2.4%) have been completed to date.These numbers point to a glaring gap between resource allocation and ground level execution, suggesting a serious disconnect between planning and implementation.

Under MPLADS, each MP is entitled to ₹5 crore annually to fund critical infrastructure in their constituency such as roads, schools, hospitals, and water supply systems. The scheme is designed to resolve local issues quickly. However, the current data reflects poor performance and inefficiency in delivering essential services to citizens.

Key Reasons Behind Low Fund Utilization:

Lack of Practical Planning: Many proposed projects either lack a solid execution framework or fail feasibility checks.
Weak Administrative Coordination: Poor collaboration between MPs and local administrative bodies delays execution.
Low Priority Projects: Some recommended initiatives are either impractical or of lower priority, leading to inaction.
Inadequate Ground Assessment: MPs may not fully understand the urgent needs of their constituencies, resulting in misaligned proposals.

The underutilization of MPLADS funds directly affects the pace of development in both rural and urban regions of Gujarat. Crucial services such as roads, clean drinking water, education, and healthcare remain underdeveloped, especially in marginalized areas. This neglect exacerbates social and economic inequality and slows the state's overall growth trajectory.

Steps to Improve MPLADS Effectiveness:

Strategic Project Planning: MPs must recommend viable projects aligned with local needs and oversee their timely implementation.
Enhanced Coordination: Closer collaboration with district-level authorities and agencies is essential.
Transparency & Accountability: Regular public updates on fund usage and project status can boost citizen trust and participation.
Public Awareness: Residents should be educated about MPLADS to better communicate their needs to elected representatives.

Conclusion:

The fact that only 4.2% of Gujarat’s MPLADS budget has been used and just 2.4% of projects have been completed is alarming. It reflects poorly on the ability of MPs to fulfill their responsibilities in advancing grassroots development. For Gujarat to progress equitably, MPs must adopt a more transparent, responsible, and citizen-centric approach toward utilizing local development funds.