Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday announced a series of key amendments to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme, expanding the scope of works that legislators can recommend and removing several financial ceilings that previously limited developmental activities.
During his address in the Assembly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the government had been reviewing the scheme for the past two months and has now approved a set of changes aimed at giving elected representatives greater flexibility to address local needs.
After today's announcement, key changes would be effected in power, PHE and health sectors. CM Omar informed that the ceiling under the Power Development Infrastructure category has been withdrawn.
Under the Public Health Engineering (PHE) sector, MLAs can now recommend the purchase of mobile water tankers and individual household connectivity projects. In the education sector, the purchase of school vans and buses, both three and four-wheelers, has been made permissible.In the health sector, the purchase of wheelchairs, tricycles, and both manual and motorized electric scooters will now be allowed under the revised guidelines.
One more important area of reform suggests special provisions for calamity relief. Referring to the devastating floods that recently hit parts of the region, CM Omar said a one-time relaxation for MLAs to utilize up to Rs. 50 lakh from their CDF allocation for the rehabilitation of calamity-affected families.
The reforms would also see key point in removal of spending restriction and introduction of new categories. The Chief Minister said the provision requiring MLAs to spend 80% of their CDF allocation within a financial year has been scrapped. “We have removed this provision. Now, we have not kept this 80% requirement for MLAs,” he said.He noted that while the CDF framework will continue to draw from the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), certain improvements have been introduced.
Temporary sheds for people affected by natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, and droughts will now be allowed under the CDF.
Grants of up to Rs. 3 lakh will be permitted for old age homes, shelters, and orphanages for purchasing bedding, utensils, books, and uniforms. There is also provision of Housing support for marginalized groups with changes in CDF.
“These reforms are meant to make the CDF more responsive to the needs of the people and to empower MLAs to deliver targeted support where it is most required,” Omar told the House as per news agency.The revised CDF guidelines are expected to take effect immediately after formal notification by the government.
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