Summaries by Kriti Bhargava, Arun Kumar Kaushik

An analysis of India's MPLADS scheme exposes significant underuse of funds and a stark concentration of public-works spending. Funds are heavily directed towards high-visibility sectors like energy and roads, while critical areas such as agriculture, public health, and sustainable water infrastructure remain largely neglected. Despite its robust design, the scheme struggles with low completion rates and expenditure, highlighting a preference for quick, visible projects over long-term development. This raises critical questions about decision-making processes, administrative efficiency, and the ultimate translation of parliamentary intent into genuine public good.