Telangana’s utilisation of funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme has come under scrutiny, with data showing that a large share of the funds allocated to the state’s MPs remains unspent.

According to an analysis by the citizen-led data project Empowered Indian, Telangana’s 23 MPs were allocated ₹394.8 crore over the past two years, but only around ₹94 crore had been utilised. This translates into a utilisation rate of 23.8%.

Telangana Trails National Average

Telangana’s MPLADS utilisation rate is significantly below the reported national average of 33%.

The state ranks 24th among 28 states in terms of fund utilisation. However, Telangana’s performance remains higher than that of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra, according to the analysis.

1,356 Works Still Pending

MPs in Telangana recommended 3,703 development works during the period under review.

Of these, 2,347 works have been recorded as completed, while 1,356 remain pending based on the available data.

Delays can occur at several stages, including administrative approval, implementation by district authorities, completion of projects and submission of utilisation certificates.

Each MP Gets ₹5 Crore Annually

Under MPLADS, every Member of Parliament is entitled to ₹5 crore per year for recommending development works in their constituency.

Under the scheme, MPs recommend works to district authorities, which are responsible for sanctioning, executing and completing those projects.

The official MPLADS portal also notes that the role of an MP is limited to recommending works, while the district administration is responsible for implementation. It also states that exact expenditure figures are maintained by district authorities.

Arvind Dharmapuri Leads Utilisation

Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri has recorded the highest utilisation rate among Telangana MPs.

He utilised ₹15.81 crore out of approximately ₹28.14 crore allocated to him, representing 56.18% utilisation.

Mahabubabad MP Balaram Naik followed with 49.20%, while Rajya Sabha MP Vaddiraju Ravichandra recorded 48.24%. Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy recorded 42.65%, followed by Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar at 38.01%.

Several MPs Used Less Than 10%

The data also shows significant variation in utilisation among individual MPs.

Renuka Chowdhury recorded utilisation of 2.08%, B. Parthasaradhi Reddy 2.43%, Kishan Reddy 3.23%, K. Raghuveer Reddy 4.77% and Asaduddin Owaisi 7.60%.

Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender was allocated around ₹32.74 crore but had utilised 10.60% of the available funds.

MPs’ Offices Point to Administrative Delays

Some MPs’ offices have attributed low utilisation figures to delays in the administrative process.

Although MPs recommend development works, district authorities must sanction and implement them. Once projects are completed, utilisation certificates and other records have to be submitted.

Some offices have argued that delays in updating expenditure and completion information on official portals can make actual utilisation appear lower than it is.

Impact on Local Development

MPLADS funds are intended to support locally important development projects and public infrastructure.

Projects can include roads, drinking-water facilities, schools, healthcare infrastructure and community facilities.

When funds remain unutilised for extended periods, projects recommended by MPs can face delays. The 1,356 pending works therefore highlight the need for faster administrative processing and project execution.

Comparison With Other States

Telangana’s reported utilisation rate of 23.8% is higher than some neighbouring and large states but remains below several better-performing states.

The analysis puts Tamil Nadu’s utilisation at 43.1% and Karnataka’s at 28.5%. Andhra Pradesh recorded 23%, Kerala 21.2% and Maharashtra 20.2%.

Conclusion

The utilisation of only around ₹94 crore out of ₹394.8 crore allocated to Telangana’s 23 MPs under MPLADS raises concerns about the pace of local development projects.

With a utilisation rate of 23.8%, Telangana remains below the reported national average. At the same time, responsibility for implementing MPLADS works does not rest solely with MPs. MPs recommend projects, while district authorities are responsible for sanctioning, executing and completing them.

Reducing administrative delays, completing the 1,356 pending works and regularly updating expenditure records could help ensure that MPLADS funds are translated into more timely development outcomes for communities across Telangana.