Among other reasons why Sundargarh, a tribals-dominated district, has so far remained backward is non-utilisation of MPlAD funds, which runs into Rs 15 crore a year as the district has three Members of Parliament (MP) in present lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
It is in addition to the unspent special grant amounts allotted to the district from time to time under the head of Fifth Schedule Area. The information obtained through RTI Act reveals that Sundargarh lS MP Hemanand Biswal, except the year 2010-11, has not been able to spend his full quota amount in any year. During 2011-12 and 2012-13, he has spent Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 2.5 crore respectively. It means the district lost development works worth Rs 4 crore in two years.
RS member Mangala Kissan has spent Rs 4 crore, Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 2 crore during 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 respectively. Similarly, RS member Dilip Tirkey has been able to spend only Rs 2 crore in his first year (2012-13).
It was revealed that while the district lost Rs 4 crore, the State lost more than Rs 8 crore on development front as lS MPlAD to be utilised in a Parliamentary constituency only, while RS MPlAD fund is to be spent in the entire State.