Agartala, July 7:
Despite the BJP-led Tripura government highlighting rapid development in the state and recently urging the Union Finance Ministry to enhance the ceiling for external aided projects, recent official data has revealed that the state’s Members of Parliament have utilised only a fraction of the funds allocated under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme, placing Tripura well below the national average.
According to data available on the Empowered India digital platform, Tripura has been allocated a total of Rs 41.7 crore under the MPLAD Scheme. However, only 22.78 per cent of the sanctioned amount has been utilised, despite nearly 100 development works being recommended. The state ranks 22nd among 36 states and Union Territories in MPLAD fund utilisation.
Nationally, around Rs 703 crore has been allocated under the scheme, of which approximately Rs 520 crore, or nearly 74 per cent, has been utilised. More than 4,400 development projects have been completed across the country.
Responding to media queries on Tuesday on the sidelines of inaugurating a new ward building in Agartala, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said he had also come across the reports in newspapers and would verify the matter before discussing it with the state’s MPs.
“I have also seen the reports in newspapers. I need to verify the matter and speak to our Members of Parliament. If the reports are true, then the release and utilisation of these funds should be ensured. I have already said that I will discuss the issue with our MPs. If necessary, it will also be taken up with the Central government. That can certainly be done,” the Chief Minister said.
The data shows that among Tripura’s three parliamentarians, Kriti Devi Debbarman has recorded the lowest utilisation. Of the Rs 14.7 crore allocated, only Rs 1.9 crore has been spent. Although 49 development works have been recommended, none has been completed.
Biplab Kumar Deb has utilised Rs 4.6 crore, or 31.1 per cent, of his Rs 14.7 crore allocation. While 29 projects have been approved, none has yet been completed.
Rajib Bhattacharjee, who has utilised the highest amount with Rs 3.5 crore out of Rs 12.3 crore allocated and is the only parliamentarian from the state to have completed a lone project under the scheme. The figures are based on data updated in April 2026.
The latest figures are likely to draw attention as the state government continues to project Tripura as a fast-growing destination for investment and infrastructure development while simultaneously seeking higher financial support from the Centre for externally aided projects. The MPLAD utilisation data, however, indicates that a substantial portion of funds already available for grassroots development remains unspent.
