As many as 20 Lok Sabha MPs of Madhya Pradesh have failed to utilise nearly 20 per cent of the total fund allocated under Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, according to the latest report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

The fund utilisation record of Madhya Pradesh MPs is far from impressive. Out of 29 states, in the worst performing MPs, the report pegged the state MPs at fifth rank for lapsed MPLAD funds after Uttar Pradesh (354 crore), Maharashtra (185 crore), West Bengal (174 crore) and Tamil Nadu (131 crore).

Every year, the government of India allocates Rs. 5 crore to MPs under the MPLAD scheme, primarily to take up development projects in their respective constituencies. The fund has been increased over time, starting from Rs. 5 lakh in 1993-94 to Rs. 5 crore at present.

So, in five years, the MPs get a whopping Rs 25 crore to carry out development projects in their constituency. The central government releases the annual entitlement of Rs. 5 crore in two equal instalments of Rs 2.5 crore each, directly to the district authority.

How MPLAD fund is utilised

There are three major stakeholders in the entire process: the MPs, district authority and the Government of India. MPs recommend works to be undertaken under the MPLADS, based on locally felt needs; with preference to certain sectors, including drinking water facility, education, health, sanitation, irrigation, roads etc.

Following the recommendation, the district authority is responsible for sanctioning the eligible works, and implementation of the sanctioned ones. As per official guidelines, the district authority shall make the selection of an implementing agency for execution of the recommended works by an MP.