BENGAL MPS SHOW UNEVEN MPLADS DELIVERY

Data reveal wide gaps between project recommendations and actual spending across Parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

Nearly 20 monthsafter the 18th Lok Sabha commenced in May 2024, a performance snapshot of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme performance ofthe 42Lok Sabha MPsfrom West Bengal ason 6 January presentsa picture of widedisparities between proposalson paperand real delivery on the ground.

MPLADSis structured to give every sitting MP an annual allocation of Rs5 crore torecommend small, constituency-focused development projects. With the parliamentary term now in January 2026, almost two financial years have elapsed, creating a cumulative availability of close to Rs 10 crore for each member.

‘The expectation built into the scheme is straightforward: MPs recommend localworks, district authorities sanction them, and fundsare spenton publicassets that directly benefit communities.

An analysis of data on the work done by these MPs reveals tangible outcomes, and that toowhich has remained heavily concentrated in alimited subset of members.

Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool Congress MP from Diamond Harbour, recommended 320 works and completed 173, the highest absolute number of completions in the state delegation, spending Rs 6.13 crore.

Pratima Mondal, her party colleague from Joynagar (SC), recommended 219 works and completed 56, utilizing Rs 6.67 crore. Another TMC MP, Abu Taher Khan from Murshidabad, recommended 310 worksand completed 84, spending Rs 2.60 crore.