The BJP has been in power in Gujarat for over three decades and in the Lok Sabha elections held last year, it won all but one of the 26 seats from the state.
Gujarat is considered a model state of the BJP and it even has a triple engine government – At the Centre, State and district, corporation levels.
Yet, when it comes to execution of development works under Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme, Gujarat’s performance is dismal.
An analysis by Mahati Adhikar Gujarat Pahel has revealed that MPs have been unable to utilize 95.8 per cent of the funds allocated to them. Only 4.2 per cent of the funds have been used.
The 18th Lok Sabha was constituted last year in June.
Though while analyzing the data available on www.mplads.sbi, the Mahati Adhikar Gujarat Pahel has stuck to only statements of facts without getting into observations, the figures clearly show that the execution of developmental works is poor by any standards.
Under the MPLAD Scheme, each MP is allocated Rs. 5 crore per year for development works in their constituency. According to the MPLAD 2023 guidelines, various types of works related to public welfare and development can be undertaken. These include public health, education, construction of public and community buildings, drinking water and sanitation, irrigation, drainage, flood control protective structures, animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, agriculture and farmer welfare, energy supply and distribution systems, as well as works related to railways, roads, bridges, etc.
As against a total budget of Rs. 254.8 crore allocated to 26 Lok Sabha MPs (25 of the BJP and 1 of the Congress) as of July 5, 2025, only Rs. 10.72 crore, i.e., a mere 4.2 per cent, has been spent from this.
The Bharuch parliamentary constituency has seen the highest expenditure of Rs. 1.73 crore, followed by the Patan constituency at Rs. 1.56 crore, while Sabarkantha constituency ranks third with Rs. 1.08 crore spent. Bharuch is represented by BJP stalwart Mansukh Vasava and Sabarkantha is represented by Congress’ Geniben Thakor.
Even though one year has passed since the 18th Lok Sabha was formed, no expenditure has been made so far under MPLAD funds in the Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Banaskantha, Chhota Udepur, Gandhinagar, and Navsari parliamentary constituencies.
Looking at the details of works recommended by the MPs, the Navsari constituency has the highest number of recommendations (297 works), followed by Mehsana constituency (271 works) and Kheda constituency (265 works). Navsari is represented by Gujarat BJP president and Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Paatil.
As per the guidelines, the approval process for works recommended by an MP should be completed within 45 days. However, scrutiny of available data reveals that out of a total of 3823 recommended works, only 93 works have been completed, Pankti Jog of the Mahati Adhikar Gujarat Pahel told Vibes of India.
Furthermore, not a single work has been completed in the Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Banaskantha, Chhota Udepur, Dahod, Gandhinagar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kheda, Kachchh, Navsari, Panchmahal, Surendranagar, and Valsad constituencies. Thus, out of 26 constituencies, no work has been completed in 14 constituencies during the entire year, she added. In about four to five Lok Sabha constituencies there has been zero expenditure.
Out of the total budget of Rs 254.8 crore in the first year, works for only Rs 129 crore have been recommended.
Jog observed that there is absolutely no coordination between the district planning boards and the MPs. Normally, the MPs recommend the developmental works to the district planning boards and the boards then pass it on to the district panchayats, municipal corporations or other civic agencies for implementation.
She even wondered as to what the district coordination committees in each of the districts do. The committees have been functioning for over one and a half decade now and consist of district collectors, district development officers, MPs and other officers concerned.
Some of the developmental works were recommended in September 2024 and yet no work has begun.
According to her, the funds allocated are carried foward to the next year, if not spent. If not utilised, these get lapsed at the end of the five-year term. Sources said there is a clause which says that if necessary, portion from the lapsed funds can be given to the MPs.
Jog, however, wondered if the MPs would be able to utilise the existing funds.
Also Read: The Final Step: Fauja Singh’s Journey Ends, But Spirit Lives Forever https://www.vibesofindia.com/the-final-step-fauja-singhs-journey-ends-but-spirit-lives-forever/
