CM announces revised CDF guidelines on spending for MLA’s
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the guidelines for spending Constituency Development Fund by MLAs have been amended to give more freedom to the legislators in serving the people of their constituencies.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said the caps on spending under various heads have been either relaxed or removed completely.
“We have identified areas with regard to CDF guidelines which can be improved.
“The ceiling under power development infrastructure has been removed. It was Rs 50 lakhs earlier. The ceiling of Rs 10 lakh for installation of solar panels has also been removed,” he said.
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.
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 relaxation will apply to the current financial year and 2026–27.
Additionally, MLAs from non-affected areas will be able to recommend works worth up to Rs. 10 lakh in disaster-hit constituencies or contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, with specific directions for use in the affected areas.
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. Youth clubs and sports organizations can now receive similar grants for buying sports equipment through government channels.
The Chief Minister also announced that up to Rs. 20 lakh from the CDF can be directed to assist the economically weaker sections, including drivers and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, for upgrading their housing units. The funds will follow the model of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and will be subject to verification and scrutiny.
“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.
The revised CDF guidelines are expected to take effect immediately after formal notification by the government.
