CM Omar announces a slew of reforms in Constituency Development Fund Scheme
Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 29:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today 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.
Speaking during the Zero Hour of the ongoing Autumn Session of 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.
“The alignment with MPLADS will allow our Hon’ble Members to execute projects that bring tangible benefits to the people—just as MPs are able to do under their scheme,” the Chief Minister said.
Under the revised guidelines, several key reforms have been introduced. The ceiling of ₹50 lakh earlier imposed on power development works has been withdrawn, allowing MLAs to recommend projects in this sector without any upper limit. Similarly, the ₹10 lakh cap on installation of solar energy light systems has been removed.
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.
Recognizing the hardship faced by families affected by natural calamities, the Chief Minister announced a one-time relaxation permitting utilization of up to ₹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).
In another major reform, 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.
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.
He said that activities such as 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 ₹3 lakh—will also remain part of the scheme.
The Chief Minister added that youth clubs and sports organizations will be eligible for grants up to ₹3 lakh for purchasing sports equipment through government-recognized agencies.
He further said that MLAs from non-affected areas can recommend works or contribute funds up to ₹10 lakh in areas hit by natural calamities
Assembly adopts
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.
The revised guidelines will also allow channeling up to ₹20 lakh under the CDF for the upgradation of houses belonging to tribal and BPL families. This assistance will be provided on a rolling basis, aligned with the provisions of PMAY, and governed by stringent verification and scrutiny norms to ensure transparency and accountability.
“These changes are intended to make the CDF scheme more inclusive, responsive and development-oriented, ensuring that our MLAs are empowered to directly address the needs of their people,” Omar Abdullah added.
Meanwhile,
Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Wednesday adopted a resolution moved by MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat for establishment of Jammu and Kashmir National Law University at Srinagar.
The resolution was passed through a voice vote in the House.
The resolution adopted on Wednesday stated, “This House unanimously resolves to impress upon Government to initiate process of establishing the Jammu and Kashmir National Law University at Srinagar, without any further delay, as the funds earmarked for the first phase have already been provided,”.
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah while speaking in favour of the resolution said, “there is nothing in the resolution we see the need to oppose”.
Earlier, speaking in defence of the resolution, Bhat urged upon the government to pass the resolution as there is an urgent need for establishment of National Law University. He said that the proposed university would provide a broader platform and greater opportunities to law aspirants.
Among those who spoke on the resolution were MLAs R S Pathania, Mir Saifullah, Sajad Shaheen, Narinder Singh Raina, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Shamim Firdous, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Altaf Ahmad Wani and Ajaz Ahmed Jan.
Several MLAs supported the resolution moved by Bhat urging that the university be set up in Srinagar suggesting that Srinagar’s central location and accessibility make it the most appropriate place for the university, ensuring greater benefit to students from all parts of the region.
MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone had earlier moved an amendment proposing that the university be established in his constituency. However, later he withdrew his proposal.
