An amount of over twenty six thousand crore rupees has been released till the end of last month under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development scheme, MPLAD, since its inception in 2004. Out of this, over twenty three thousand crore rupees have been utilized for development works so far.

An official release said, the scheme has benefited the local community by meeting various development needs like drinking water facility, education, health and family welfare, community centres, irrigation and roads.

The utilization percentage of funds has risen steadily to 89 per cent by 31st August this year as compared to 82 per cent in March 2004. More than 12 lakh development works have been completed till date as against thirteen and a half lakh works sanctioned since the scheme began. The percentage of works completed was 89 per cent on 31st August.