BJP MP Kangana Ranaut Criticizes Officials Over MPLADS Fund Utilization in Himachal Pradesh

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut pulled up officials during a DISHA Committee meeting in Himachal Pradesh over the alleged delay in implementing development works under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), questioning the utilisation of nearly Rs 11 crore allocated for projects in her constituency. Kangana expressed anger over what she described as repeated assurances from officials that there were no problems with the utilisation of MPLADS funds. "Don’t give me these useless jumlas (fake promises). I’m getting them at every Disha Committee meeting. Last time as well, when I inquired about MPLADS, and our DISHA committees meet so regularly, whenever I asked about MPLADS, I was told that there was absolutely no hiccup and that 90% of our money was on the ground. But what turned out to be the reality? The reality came to light only when external agencies conducted detailed surveys on this. .." she said. "What I am trying to say is that I don't need your assurances to 'address' it—get the bloody job done now! The time for 'addressing' things is gone. Those are two-year-old matters. Those are one-and-a-half to two years old matters. Now get the job done and report to me that this is done!" she added. The BJP MP also questioned the utilisation of funds allocated for development works, saying nearly Rs 11 crore had been released while only a small portion had reportedly been spent. Reports said that in Mandi alone, around Rs 50-60 lakh had been utilised out of approximately Rs 5.5 crore. Ranaut further questioned the accountability and work ethic of officials, expressing concern over how she would explain the situation to the media and people of her constituency. "What am I supposed to say before the media out there? That people come here only to draw their salaries? What am I supposed to say about the people of our state? What am I to say about their work ethic? That they are utterly lazy, utterly incompetent people occupying these chairs? Is that what I should say to the national media? About my own constituency? And about my own mountain people?..." she said. The MP directed officials to expedite the pending development works and report on their completion. Several projects have reportedly remained pending over issues including land availability and necessary permissions.(With Agency Inputs)