KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Mar 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved a Rs 3 crore annual Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for each Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), enabling them to directly recommend and oversee critical development projects in their respective constituencies.
Under the new scheme, MLAs will have the authority to propose public welfare projects aimed at infrastructure development, essential services, and social upliftment. The Finance Department has issued a detailed circular specifying the guidelines for the fund’s implementation to ensure effective and timely utilization.
Allocation and Execution of Funds
As per the new framework, each MLA can propose development projects up to Rs 3 crore per year, which will be forwarded to the respective District Development Commissioner (DDC) for execution. Notably, nominated MLAs will have the flexibility to recommend projects in any region of the Union Territory.
To ensure the funds are used exclusively for capital expenditure, the CDF cannot be utilized for revenue-related expenses, such as salary payments or post creation. This restriction guarantees that the funds are spent on tangible infrastructure and public assets.
All projects sanctioned under this scheme must be completed within a year. However, in areas with limited working seasons, such as high-altitude regions, an extension of up to two working seasons (not exceeding two years) may be granted with the MLA’s approval.
Key Areas of Investment
The scheme encourages MLAs to prioritize projects costing up to Rs 10 lakh per work. However, higher-value infrastructure projects will be considered, provided they are completed within the given time frame. Some of the key development activities include:
Road and Infrastructure Development:
Construction and upgradation of approach roads and link roads (Rs 15 lakh limit per project)
Development of kachha roads in rural and remote areas
Water and Irrigation Projects:
Water table recharging, irrigation, and drainage projects (Rs 20 lakh limit per project)
Power Sector Development:
Strengthening power infrastructure (Rs 50 lakh limit per project)
Education and Public Welfare: Upgradation of government schools, libraries, and hostels, Provision of computers and digital resources for educational institutions and Construction of sanitation facilities and public amenities.
Housing Support for Tribal and BPL Families: Rs 20 lakh earmarked for assistance in housing upgrades for underprivileged sections
Strict Monitoring and Accountability
To ensure proper utilization and efficiency, the scheme mandates that at least 80% of the allocated funds must be utilized within the financial year. If an MLA fails to meet this target, future fund allocations may be withheld until compliance is achieved.
Additionally, payments for completed works will only be processed after verification, ensuring transparency and quality control. A Defect Liability Period (DLP) will also be enforced for eligible projects, requiring rectification of defects before final payments.
Restrictions on Fund Utilization
Certain expenditures will be strictly prohibited under the CDF scheme. Funds cannot be used for: Construction of government office buildings or residential quarters, Memorials, places of worship, or religious structures and Creation of government posts or revenue-based expenses.
By allowing MLAs to directly oversee grassroots development, the Jammu and Kashmir government aims to enhance infrastructure, improve public services, and uplift marginalized communities. This initiative marks a significant step toward localized governance and efficient fund utilization, ensuring that development projects align with the specific needs of each constituency.
