JAMMU, MARCH 11: The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved an annual allocation of Rs. 3 crore for each Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme. This initiative aims to empower MLAs to recommend and oversee key developmental projects within their constituencies, focusing on infrastructure development, public welfare projects, and essential services to ensure the timely execution of approved works.
The Finance Department has issued detailed guidelines for the implementation of the scheme. As per these guidelines, each MLA can propose projects worth up to Rs. 3 crore annually, which will be executed by the District Development Commissioner (DDC). Additionally, nominated MLAs have the flexibility to recommend projects across the Union Territory. The funds are strictly designated for capital expenditure and cannot be used for salaries, administrative costs, or the creation of posts.
All projects under the CDF must be completed within one year, although an extension of up to two working seasons is permitted in high-altitude regions where construction work is seasonally restricted. While the scheme encourages projects with budgets not exceeding Rs. 10 lakh per work, larger infrastructure projects may also be considered, provided they are completed within the designated timeframe. The government has outlined specific areas of focus under this initiative, including the construction and upgradation of roads, water table recharging, irrigation, and drainage projects, along with the strengthening of power infrastructure. Funds will also support housing upgrades for tribal and Below Poverty Line (BPL) populations, as well as improvements to educational infrastructure, such as school construction, hostels, libraries, and sanitation facilities. The scheme further allows for the construction of kachha roads in rural areas based on local requirements.
To ensure transparency and accountability, payments for completed projects will only be made after proper verification and, where applicable, a Defect Liability Period (DLP). The scheme also mandates that at least 80% of the allocated funds must be utilized within the financial year. If this threshold is not met, further allocations will be withheld until compliance is achieved. Moreover, certain expenditures are explicitly excluded from the CDF, including the construction of government office or residential buildings, memorials, the creation of posts, revenue-related expenses, and projects linked to places of worship.