Jammu Kashmir Lawmakers Spend Only Rs 239.15 Cr Out of Rs 427.50 Cr CDF Allocation; Kupwara Leads in Utilisation | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Out of a total Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation of Rs 427.50 crore across Jammu and Kashmir, an expenditure of Rs 239.15 crore has been reported so far, with Kupwara district recording the highest utilisation among all districts, the government informed the Legislative Assembly.

Replying to a starred question tabled by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Finance Department said the CDF scheme was reintroduced during 2024–25 following a decision of the Council of Ministers, and funds were earmarked at Rs 4.75 crore per MLA, including Rs 0.75 crore as due share of 2024–25 and Rs 4 crore for 2025–26.

As per official data, Kupwara district, comprising constituencies such as Karnah, Kupwara, Trehgam, Lolab, Handwara and Langate, recorded the highest fund utilisation of about Rs 22.02 crore out of Rs 28.50 crore allocated, indicating the strongest execution rate among districts. It was followed by Baramulla with utilisation of around Rs 14.05 crore out of Rs 33.25 crore, while districts like Budgam and Anantnag also reported relatively high spending levels at Rs 15.71 crore and Rs 11.90 crore respectively.

In contrast, some districts lagged behind in fund utilisation. Shopian recorded particularly low expenditure of about Rs 0.74 crore out of Rs 9.50 crore allocated, while Udhampur also showed limited spending at Rs 5.17 crore out of Rs 19 crore. Similarly, Doda district reported utilisation of around Rs 4.45 crore against an allocation of Rs 14.25 crore, indicating a slower pace of execution.

The data further shows that districts like Kathua and Jammu recorded moderate utilisation, with Kathua spending around Rs 20.00 crore out of Rs 28.50 crore and Jammu district utilising about Rs 19.06 crore out of Rs 52.25 crore allocated.

The government also informed the House that a total of Rs 725.43 crore (Rs 72543.59 lakh) has been reported as tender savings from 3,684 completed works under the CDF scheme across districts, confirming that final contract amounts were often 20 to 30 per cent lower than initially sanctioned estimates.

Clarifying concerns over the utilisation of these savings, the government said that under existing guidelines, CDF funds are non-lapsable and any unspent balance or tender savings are deposited under a designated treasury account and carried forward for use in subsequent financial years, rather than being forfeited.

It maintained that this arrangement ensures continuity of development works and availability of funds for legislators and district authorities to undertake projects in accordance with scheme guidelines, rejecting the contention that the mechanism defeats the objective of maximising local development.