Jammu, March 31: The Jammu and Kashmir government has revised guidelines for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), allowing Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to allocate up to ₹50 lakh for providing housing assistance to families affected by calamities. This enhancement aims to expedite relief and reconstruction efforts for victims of events such as fires and other disasters.
The Chenab Times has learned that the revised provisions, announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the legislative assembly, expand the permissible uses of CDF to include the reconstruction and repair of houses for calamity-affected families during the financial year 2026-27. This move signifies a notable increase in the financial support available at the local level for disaster recovery.
The Chief Minister informed the assembly that the assistance to an individual family under this provision is capped at ₹1 lakh. Importantly, this benefit is not limited to specific socio-economic groups like tribal or below poverty line (BPL) families, but is extended to all families demonstrably affected by a calamity. This broadens the accessibility of crucial financial aid to a wider population in need.
Clarifying the definition of “calamity” within the amended guidelines, Abdullah stated that it encompasses any event leading to significant damage or harm. This includes, but is not limited to, fire incidents, natural disasters, and other unforeseen events causing widespread destruction to residential properties. The expanded definition ensures that a comprehensive range of disaster-induced losses can be addressed.
During the session, the Chief Minister specifically addressed a Calling Attention Motion moved by National Conference MLA Shamim Firdous concerning fire victims in the district of Srinagar. Abdullah noted that 24 cases had been received from the Habba Kadal constituency for assistance to fire victims, with an estimated cost of ₹12.80 lakh. Of these, five cases have already been cleared for additional assistance after completing the necessary formalities, demonstrating prompt action on reported incidents.
Abdullah assured the assembly that the remaining 19 cases are currently under examination by the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar. He pledged that all eligible cases recommended by the MLA would be processed in accordance with the established norms and guidelines, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparent and fair distribution of relief funds. The enhanced CDF allocation is expected to provide much-needed support to individuals and families grappling with the aftermath of destructive events across the Union Territory.
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