16 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

J&K Parties Criticize BJP MP for MPLADS Spending in U.P.

J&K parties criticize BJP's Gulam Ali Khatana for spending MPLADS funds in U.P.

Photo by Zulfugar Karimov

National Conference and PDP criticized BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Ali Khatana for spending 94% of his MPLADS funds in Uttar Pradesh. NC leader Tanvir Sadiq questioned the purpose of nominating an MP from J&K if development funds are spent in U.P. PDP's Aditya Gupta highlighted that out of 176 works, 144 are in U.P.

Key Facts

A BJP Rajya Sabha MP from J&K, Gulam Ali Khatana, is criticized for spending 94% of MPLADS funds in U.P.

Out of 176 works, 144 are in U.P.

NC leader Tanvir Sadiq questioned the purpose of nominating an MP from J&K if development funds are spent in U.P.

PDP's Aditya Gupta highlighted that the MP entered Parliament from J&K but development funds went to U.P.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: Polity and Governance - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

GS Paper 2: Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Potential question types: Statement based MCQs, analytical questions on the effectiveness of MPLADS, ethical considerations of fund allocation.

In Simple Words

Imagine your local corporator getting money to improve your area. Instead, they spend most of it in another area. People are upset because the money meant for their needs is going somewhere else.

India Angle

In India, MPs get funds to develop their constituencies. This is meant to address local problems like building roads or schools. When an MP spends these funds elsewhere, it deprives the local community of much-needed development.

For Instance

Think of it like a housing society collecting maintenance fees from residents but using most of the money to improve a neighboring society. The residents would be angry because their needs are not being met.

It matters because it affects the development of your local area. If funds are diverted, it can lead to delays in essential projects and impact the quality of life in your community.

Local funds should be used for local needs.

Visual Insights

MPLADS Spending by Gulam Ali Khatana

Shows the percentage of MPLADS funds spent in Uttar Pradesh by BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana.

MPLADS Funds Spent in U.P.: 94%
Works in U.P. out of Total Works: 144/176

More Information

Background

The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was launched in December 1993. It enables Members of Parliament to recommend developmental works in their constituencies with an emphasis on creating durable assets. Funds are released by the Government of India directly to the district authorities. Each year, MPs receive ₹5 crore under this scheme to undertake development projects. The MPLADS scheme aims to address locally felt needs and promote participatory development. The choice of works is primarily based on the MPs' assessment of local needs. While MPs can suggest projects anywhere in their state (for Rajya Sabha MPs, the entire state), the focus is generally on their constituency. Guidelines stipulate that works should be based on the felt needs of the local community and contribute to sustainable development. There have been debates regarding the effectiveness and potential for misuse of MPLADS funds. Concerns have been raised about transparency, accountability, and the impact of these projects. The scheme has undergone revisions over the years to address these issues and improve its implementation.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there have been increased calls for greater transparency and accountability in the MPLADS scheme. Several committees and reports have recommended reforms to improve the scheme's effectiveness and prevent misuse of funds. These recommendations often include stricter monitoring mechanisms, enhanced community participation, and improved audit processes. The COVID-19 pandemic led to temporary suspension of the MPLADS scheme. The funds were diverted to manage the health crisis. This decision sparked debate about the necessity and impact of suspending local development projects. The scheme has since been reinstated, with revised guidelines and increased focus on health-related infrastructure. Looking ahead, there is a growing emphasis on aligning MPLADS projects with national development goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves prioritizing projects that contribute to poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. The future of the scheme likely depends on its ability to adapt to changing priorities and demonstrate tangible impact on local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is MPLADS, and why is it important for understanding this news about the J&K MP?

The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) allows MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on creating durable assets. Understanding MPLADS is crucial because the news highlights concerns about an MP from J&K allegedly spending a significant portion of these funds in another state, U.P., raising questions about resource allocation and representation.

2. What are the key facts to remember about the controversy surrounding the J&K MP's MPLADS spending for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include: a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from J&K, Gulam Ali Khatana, is criticized for spending 94% of MPLADS funds in U.P.; out of 176 works, 144 are in U.P. Remember the approximate percentages and the states involved.

Exam Tip

Focus on the percentages and states involved. Questions might test your recall of these specific details.

3. Why is the spending of MPLADS funds by a J&K MP in U.P. a matter of controversy?

The controversy arises because the MP was nominated to represent J&K in the Rajya Sabha. Spending the majority of MPLADS funds in U.P. raises questions about whether the needs of the J&K constituency are being adequately addressed and whether the purpose of having a representative from J&K is being fulfilled.

4. What reforms are needed to ensure better accountability and transparency in the MPLADS scheme?

Increased calls for greater transparency and accountability in the MPLADS scheme suggest a need for stricter monitoring mechanisms, enhanced community participation, and improved audit processes. These reforms aim to prevent misuse of funds and ensure that developmental works align with the needs of the constituencies the MPs represent.

5. How does the current controversy surrounding MPLADS spending relate to broader discussions about federalism and resource allocation in India?

This situation highlights the complexities of resource allocation and representation within India's federal structure. It raises questions about whether funds are being used in a way that best serves the interests of the represented region, and whether the scheme adequately addresses regional disparities.

6. Why is the J&K MP's MPLADS spending in U.P. in the news recently?

The issue is in the news because political parties in J&K have publicly criticized the BJP MP's decision to spend a significant portion of his MPLADS funds in Uttar Pradesh. This has sparked debate about the purpose and effectiveness of the MPLADS scheme and the responsibilities of elected representatives.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS): 1. MPLADS was launched in 1993 to enable MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies. 2. Funds under MPLADS are released by the State Government to the district authorities. 3. Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend works anywhere in the state from which they are elected. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was launched in December 1993 to enable Members of Parliament to recommend developmental works in their constituencies. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Funds under MPLADS are released by the Government of India directly to the district authorities, not the State Government. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend works anywhere in the state from which they are elected.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the MPLADS scheme? A) The primary objective is to enable MPs to recommend developmental works. B) The funds are released directly to the implementing agencies. C) Rajya Sabha MPs can recommend works anywhere within the state they represent. D) The scheme aims to create durable assets in the constituencies.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B is NOT correct. Funds under MPLADS are released by the Government of India directly to the district authorities, not the implementing agencies. The other options are correct as they accurately describe the objectives and features of the MPLADS scheme.

3. Assertion (A): There have been debates regarding the effectiveness and potential for misuse of MPLADS funds. Reason (R): Concerns have been raised about transparency, accountability, and the impact of these projects. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true but R is false
D.A is false but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The debates about the effectiveness and potential misuse of MPLADS funds are directly linked to concerns about transparency, accountability, and the impact of these projects.