MLAs get more flexibility as J&K Govt overhauls constituency fund norms

Removing the ceiling of Rs 50 lakhs on power development works and Rs 10 lakhs on installation of solar lights, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday announced a series of significant reforms in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme aimed at making it more flexible, transparent and responsive to local development needs in the constituencies of MLAs.

Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government has intended to align the CDF guidelines with the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) to ensure uniformity and enable MLAs to undertake a wider range of developmental works in their constituencies.

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“The alignment with MPLADS will allow MLAs to execute projects that bring tangible benefits to the people—just as MPs are able to do under their scheme,” the Chief Minister said.

The earlier clause requiring MLAs to utilize at least 80% of funds in a financial year—failing which next year’s release was withheld—has been deleted to enhance operational flexibility.

Recognizing the hardship faced by families affected by natural calamities, the Chief Minister announced a one-time relaxation permitting utilization of up to Rs 50 lakh from CDF for the construction and repair of houses for calamity-affected families during the current and next financial year (2025–26 and 2026–27).

He said that activities such as the construction of temporary shelter sheds for people affected by natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, and droughts will continue to be permissible under the CDF.

Similarly, financial assistance to old age homes, orphanages, and shelters for purchasing essential items like bedding, utensils, books, and uniforms—subject to a ceiling of Rs 3 lakh—will also remain part of the scheme.

He further said that MLAs from non-affected areas can recommend works or contribute funds up to Rs 10 lakh in areas hit by natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, or droughts, either through the concerned Deputy Commissioners or to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, with specific stipulations for use in the affected regions.

In the Public Health Engineering (PHE) sector, the purchase of mobile water tankers and provision of individual household connections have been made permissible.

The new provisions also allow purchase of school vans and buses (both four and three-wheelers), and under the health sector, MLAs can now recommend procurement of wheelchairs, tricycles, electric scooties, and similar assistive devices.

The Chief Minister said the revised guidelines will align the CDF Scheme more closely with the MPLAD funds model while retaining certain permissible activities unique to the CDF that cater to local exigencies and social welfare.

The Chief Minister added that youth clubs and sports organizations will be eligible for grants up to Rs 3 lakh for purchasing sports equipment through government-recognized agencies.

The revised guidelines will also allow channelling up to Rs 20 lakh under the CDF for the upgradation of houses belonging to tribal and BPL families.