BJP MP Kangana Ranaut expressed strong displeasure with officials during a DISHA Committee meeting in Himachal Pradesh over delays in implementing development works funded under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS).
MP questions utilisation of Rs 11 crore
Ranaut questioned officials over the utilisation of nearly Rs 11 crore released for development projects in her constituency. She said she had repeatedly been assured during earlier DISHA Committee meetings that there were no major hurdles in utilising the funds and that most of the sanctioned money had reached the ground.
However, she said detailed surveys conducted by external agencies had brought a different picture to light.
Expressing frustration over repeated assurances, Ranaut told officials that the pending issues needed to be resolved instead of being repeatedly discussed. She directed them to complete the works and provide a report confirming their execution.
Mandi projects among those facing delays
According to reports, only a small portion of the allocated funds had reportedly been utilised in some areas. In Mandi, around Rs 50–60 lakh was reported to have been spent against approximately Rs 5.5 crore allocated for projects.
Ranaut also questioned the accountability and efficiency of officials, raising concerns about how the delays would be explained to residents and the media.
Several projects have reportedly remained pending because of issues such as land availability and the need for various permissions.
Officials told to complete pending works
The BJP MP instructed officials to expedite the stalled development projects and ensure that the work reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Her intervention highlighted concerns over the implementation of locally funded development projects and the need for greater accountability in the utilisation of public funds.