Jammu Kashmir Govt Expands CDF Scope; Rs 50 Lakh Permitted for Housing Aid in Calamity Cases | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah informed the Legislative Assembly that Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations are being implemented across all constituencies in line with Finance Department guidelines, based on recommendations of respective MLAs.

Responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Shamim Firdous from Habba Kadal, the Chief Minister said the government has revised CDF guidelines to widen the scope of assistance. Under the amended provisions, legislators are now permitted to allocate up to Rs 50 lakh from their CDF for housing support, including reconstruction and repair of homes damaged in calamities, for the financial year 2026–27.

He added that assistance to individual families has been capped at Rs 1 lakh and clarified that the benefit is not limited to tribal or BPL categories, but extends to all affected families.

Defining “calamity” under the revised rules, the Chief Minister said it includes any incident causing substantial damage, including fire-related incidents.

Referring to Srinagar district, he said 24 cases recommended by the MLA for fire-affected families were received, involving an estimated Rs 12.80 lakh. Of these, five cases have been approved after completion of formalities, while the remaining 19 are under examination with the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

He assured the House that all eligible cases will be processed in accordance with established norms.