Hyderabad : A significant portion of development funds allocated to Telangana’s Members of Parliament remains unspent two years into their current terms, raising questions about the efficiency of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) in the state. Recent data indicates that Telangana currently ranks 24th among 28 states in fund utilization, with an average expenditure rate of just 23%.
According to figures from the public-interest data dashboard Empowered Indian, the central government allocated a total of Rs 394 crore to the state’s 23 parliamentarians—comprising 17 Lok Sabha and six Rajya Sabha members. Of that amount, only Rs 94 crore has been utilized to complete 2,347 local projects. The national average for fund utilization currently stands at 75%, highlighting a stark disparity between Telangana and the rest of the country.
Performance Disparities and Administrative Hurdles:
Individual performance among the state’s representatives varies significantly. Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind leads the group with a 56% utilization rate of his Rs 28 crore allocation. Other notable performers include Mahabubabad MP Balaram Naik and BRS Rajya Sabha member Vaddiraju Ravichandra, who have utilized 49% and 48% of their respective funds. Conversely, six MPs have spent less than 10% of their total allocation over the two-year period.
The data also highlights low utilization figures for high-profile representatives. For instance, Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender has utilized approximately 11% of his Rs 32 crore allocation, while AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi has recorded a 7.6% utilization rate. Some offices, however, dispute the accuracy of the online portal’s data. Representatives for Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar suggested that the discrepancy stems from delays in district administrations uploading project completion certificates and administrative sanctions to the central portal.
Challenges in Project Execution:
Beyond administrative reporting issues, many MPs have pointed to systemic bottlenecks in the implementation process. Lawmakers frequently cite difficulties in obtaining timely approvals from district collectors for their recommended projects. Furthermore, they report that executing agencies, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and various rural irrigation bodies, have struggled to complete projects, with some initiatives remaining pending for as long as five years.
While the debate over data accuracy continues, the current figures underscore a broader challenge in translating central government allocations into tangible local infrastructure. As the state continues to navigate these administrative and procedural hurdles, the focus remains on whether district authorities and executing agencies can accelerate the pace of development to ensure that the remaining funds are effectively deployed for public benefit.
