Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Dehradun: A new RTI report has revealed that Uttarakhand’s Members of Parliament (MPs) diverted a large share of their constituency development funds to projects outside the state. More than Rs 1.28 crore was spent in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, raising questions about priorities when Uttarakhand’s villages still lack basic facilities.
The funds, meant for local development under the MPLADS scheme (Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme), were used for tube wells, school buildings, community halls, and drainage systems in neighboring states.
Tehri Garhwal MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah topped the list
Among the MPs, Tehri Garhwal MP Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah topped the list, directing a significant portion of her funds to Agra district in Uttar Pradesh. Other MPs also allocated money to different districts in UP and Haryana.
Meanwhile, she said, “People from Uttarakhand live all over the country. Some come to me with their needs, and certain works have been approved. The development of Tehri is my priority, and most of my funds are spent here.”
Former Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Vijay, though no longer in office, was mentioned in the RTI records for his past allocations. The funds sanctioned during the tenure (2010–2016) amounted to Rs 3 lakh for drainage, roads, and related works in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
Ajay Tamta, Lok Sabha MP from Almora, has shown generosity to Nainital district outside his own parliamentary constituency. On June 27, 2025, he approved a sum of five lakh rupees for the construction of classrooms and halls in schools and colleges.
MPs cannot freely divert funds
Adding to the controversy are changes in MPLADS rules. The government has tightened monitoring, appointing the Rural Development Commissioner’s office as the nodal department for fund oversight. As a result, MPs cannot freely divert funds, and stricter approvals have slowed down project execution. By December 2024, only 58% of MPLADS funds of former MPs had been utilised, leaving 795 approved works uninitiated.
Every rupee meant for Uttarakhand should be spent within the state
This situation has created frustration among Uttarakhand’s villagers. While they continue to struggle for drinking water, healthcare, and road connectivity, their MPs’ funds are strengthening facilities in other states. Local activists say this is unfair and demand that every rupee meant for Uttarakhand should be spent within the state.
With elections approaching, the issue is expected to become a major talking point. Opposition parties are likely to question the ruling MPs’ commitment to Uttarakhand’s development, while citizens continue to demand accountability and transparency in fund usage.
