Published Paper Details:

The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was established in India in 1993 to empower Members of Parliament (MPs) to address local developmental needs within their constituencies. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of MPLADS fund utilisation by MPs during the 16th Lok Sabha tenure, focusing on recommended, sanctioned, and completed works, as well as expenditure across different categories. Data from official government reports and MPLADS guidelines are utilised to examine the trends and patterns in project implementation. The findings reveal a consistent increase in the count of recommended and sanctioned works over the five-year period, indicating a growing emphasis on local development initiatives. However, fluctuations in project completion rates and expenditure highlight the need for streamlining implementation processes and enhancing monitoring mechanisms. Category-wise analysis underscores the importance of addressing the diverse needs of marginalised communities and promoting equitable resource distribution. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving the effectiveness of MPLADS initiatives, including measures to streamline administrative processes, enhance community participation, and address resource disparities. By leveraging the scheme effectively, MPs can play a crucial role in fostering socio-economic progress and contributing to the overall development of the nation.