J&K Govt Allocates ₹3 Crore Per Assembly Seat for Local Development: A Game Changer or Political Gimmick?
||Black & White Digital News||
||Tejveer Singh March 12,2025||
Srinagar: In a major policy shift aimed at boosting grassroots development, the Jammu & Kashmir government has rolled out an ambitious Constituency Development Fund (CDF) scheme, empowering MLAs to spearhead infrastructure and civic projects in their constituencies. Under this scheme, each MLA will have the authority to recommend ₹3 crore annually for low-budget, high-impact projects focused on roads, education, power, sanitation, and housing for the underprivileged.
The Finance Department has issued detailed guidelines, ensuring transparency and timely execution. According to the circular, MLAs will propose development works up to ₹3 crore annually to the District Development Commissioner (DDC), who will oversee their execution. Nominated MLAs, however, will have the liberty to fund projects across the Union Territory.
Capital-Only Fund with a Strict Timeline:
One of the defining features of this scheme is its strict capital expenditure clause. The allocated amount cannot be used for revenue-related expenses, such as salaries or new government posts, ensuring that funds are spent solely on tangible development works. Moreover, projects must be completed within a year, with an exception for high-altitude regions where work seasons are shorter. In such cases, the DDC may extend the deadline to two working seasons, but never beyond two years.
Targeted Infrastructure Boost: Where Will the Money Go?
The government has outlined a broad yet structured spending plan, prioritizing sectors that have long required urgent intervention. The following are the key areas that will receive funding:
Road Connectivity: Construction and upgradation of approach roads and link roads, with funding up to ₹15 lakh per project.
Water Conservation & Irrigation: Water table recharging, irrigation, and drainage projects, supported up to ₹20 lakh.
Power Infrastructure: Strengthening of power distribution networks with a budget of up to ₹50 lakh.
Education & Public Buildings: Renovation and modernization of government schools, libraries, hostels, and sanitation facilities. Provision for computers in educational institutions is also included.
Housing for the Underprivileged: Assistance for housing upgrades for tribal and BPL families, with funding of up to ₹20 lakh per project.
Additionally, the scheme recognizes the unique needs of rural areas, allowing the construction of kachha roads where necessary.
Tough Oversight & Utilization Targets: No More Fund Misuse?
To prevent misallocation and delays, the CDF scheme has strict oversight mechanisms. Payments for projects will be released only after thorough verification and a Defect Liability Period (DLP), wherever applicable. Furthermore, the scheme mandates that at least 80% of the allocated funds must be utilized within a financial year. Failure to meet this target will result in funds being withheld, and future allocations will be contingent on achieving this goal.
What’s Not Covered? No Spending on Govt Offices or Religious Places:
While the scheme casts a wide net in terms of development, certain projects remain ineligible for funding. These include:
1. Construction of government office or residential buildings
2. Memorials
3. Creation of new government posts.
4. Revenue expenditures like salaries.
5. Religious structures or places of worship.
A Double-Edged Sword? Development vs. Political Influence:
The move to grant MLAs direct control over ₹3 crore per year in development funds has drawn both praise and skepticism. Supporters argue that this is a progressive step towards decentralization, allowing elected representatives to cater to the specific needs of their constituencies without bureaucratic delays. However, critics fear that the scheme may become a political tool, enabling MLAs to channel funds toward vote-bank politics rather than genuine development.
With strict utilization mandates and oversight, the scheme could revolutionize local governance—provided it remains free from political favoritism. Whether this initiative truly transforms J&K’s development landscape or becomes another political gimmick will depend on how efficiently and transparently MLAs execute their allocated funds.
Omar Abdullah
Deputy CM Surinder choudhary
Sat Sharma CA
Sunil Sharma
Satish Sharma
Chander Parkash Ganga
Dr Narinder Singh
Surjit Singh Slathia
Balwant Singh Mankotia
Arvind Gupta
Jammu and Kashmir
