Revised Guidelines Expand Constituency Development Fund Usage for Disaster Relief
Legislators in Jammu and Kashmir can now allocate up to ₹50 lakh from their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to provide housing assistance for families impacted by calamities, including fire incidents. The Jammu and Kashmir government has amended the CDF guidelines to allow this increased allocation, offering a crucial support mechanism for disaster-affected residents.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the revised provisions permit MLAs to dedicate significant funds from their CDF for the reconstruction and repair of homes damaged due to natural disasters or other calamitous events. This enhancement aims to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts for affected households.
The decision was announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the ongoing Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. He was responding to a Calling Attention Motion raised by MLA Habba Kadal, Shamim Firdous, concerning the utilization of CDF for disaster relief. The Chief Minister elaborated that the amendments align with the broader objective of ensuring that CDF resources are effectively deployed to address pressing community needs.
Under the updated guidelines, the maximum assistance provided to an individual family has been capped at ₹1 lakh. Significantly, this financial aid is not restricted to specific economic strata or communities, such as tribal or Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Instead, it is available to all families demonstrably affected by a calamity, ensuring a more inclusive approach to disaster recovery.
The term “calamity” within the revised CDF framework has also been clarified to encompass a wide range of events causing substantial damage or distress. This includes, but is not limited to, natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, as well as man-made incidents such as devastating fire outbreaks. This broad definition ensures that a diverse set of emergencies can be addressed through the CDF.
Highlighting the practical application of these guidelines, the Chief Minister cited a specific example from District Srinagar. He informed the Assembly that 24 cases had been forwarded by MLA Habba Kadal seeking assistance for fire victims under the CDF Scheme. The estimated cost for these cases was approximately ₹12.80 lakh. He further stated that five of these cases have already been sanctioned for additional assistance after the completion of all requisite formalities.
Regarding the remaining 19 cases from Srinagar that are still under review, the Chief Minister assured that they are currently undergoing examination and assessment within the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to processing all eligible recommendations submitted by the MLA in strict adherence to the established norms and procedures. The move signifies a proactive stance in leveraging development funds for immediate relief and reconstruction post-calamity.
The Chenab Times News Desk