J&K Govt announces reforms in Constituency Development Fund to boost local works

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday announced a series of 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 Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the government 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 Members to execute projects that bring tangible benefits to the people—just as MPs are able to do under their scheme,” he said.

Under the revised guidelines, several key reforms have been introduced. The ceiling of Rs 50 lakh earlier imposed on power development works has been withdrawn, allowing MLAs to recommend projects in this sector without any upper limit.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 Rs 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.

The Chief Minister announced a one-time relaxation permitting utilisation 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).

In another reform, the earlier clause requiring MLAs to utilise 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 Rs 3 lakh—will also remain part of the scheme.

The Chief Minister added that youth clubs and sports organisations will be eligible for grants up to Rs 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 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.

“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.