Hooda Jr tops in using MPLAD grants, Dushyant at bottom

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 12

With utilisation of 75.61 per cent of released grant, Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda is on the top among the 10 Lok Sabha members from the state when it comes to spending the MP Local Area Development Scheme funds.

Hisar MP Dushyant Singh Chautala, on the other hand, is at the bottom with utilization of 23.69 per cent of the funds. Each MP is entitled to Rs5 crore per annum under the MPLAD (MP Local Area Development) Scheme for spending on various development projects in his parliamentary constituency.

The role of the MPs, however, is limited only till recommendation of the works as the responsibility for sanctioning, execution and completion lies with the district authorities.

Against the release of Rs7.50 crore (Rs7.64 crore with interest), Hooda has already issued recommendations for development works worth Rs13.27 crore in his Rohtak parliamentary constituency.

In contrast, Chautala has recommended development works worth Rs10.42 crore in his Hisar parliamentary constituency, Rs4.23 crore has been sanctioned but merely Rs1.78 crore has actually been spent with Rs5.72 crore lying unspent.

“Of the nine administrative blocks in my parliamentary constituency, six are without Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs). One was recently suspended as he was found drunk on duty. Practically, we have only one BDPO who is working efficiently. Under these circumstances, how can an MP utilise his MPLAD funds?” said Dushyant.