Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar, Nov 13: Even after formation of the local government in Jammu and Kashmir, newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly are yet to be allotted Constituency Development Funds.
Several MLAs said that they are yet to receive funds, meant for developmental purposes for their constituencies and that they are hopeful funds will be allocated soon.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra said that he was already in the process of summing up the works that need to be done in his constituency but these work are getting delayed as CDF is yet to be released.
“I believe the process should be expedited as early as possible so that developmental works are taken up at the earliest,” he said.
National Conference MLA from Hazratbal, Salman Sagar too raised concerns over delay in release of CDF for newly elected representatives, stating that it is impacting vital developmental works across the region.
He noted the urgent need for bureaucratic processes to adjust to local governance and allocate necessary funds so that elected representatives can begin their work. “People’s expectations are high, and CDF is our primary resource to address their needs,” he said.
Sagar said that previously MLAs would get Rs 3 crore as CDF annually, which would be disbursed in three instalments, but now allocation should be higher due to rising costs.
BJP MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania stated that these funds are crucial for enabling MLAs to address on spot developmental needs within their constituencies, like relief measures, healthcare support, social welfare pensions, school facilities, etc.
In the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, each MLA would be allotted Rs 3 crore annually in three instalments. With the state being downgraded to a Union Territory and local government in place for the first time since August 5, 2019, funds allocation under CDF remains unclear.
