Oct 30: In a compassionate move aimed at providing timely assistance to families affected by the recent floods, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir announced in the Assembly that the Government has approved a one-time relaxation permitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to utilize up to ₹50 lakh from their Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for construction and repair of houses belonging to calamity-affected families. The relaxation will remain valid for the current financial year and the year 2026–27, ensuring sustained rehabilitation efforts for the affected population.
The announcement reflects the Government’s deep concern for citizens who have suffered immense losses due to the natural disaster. Many regions of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed heavy rainfall and flash floods in recent weeks, leading to extensive damage to homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure. The Chief Minister, while addressing the House, emphasized that the Government’s top priority is to restore normalcy, provide dignified shelter to displaced families, and ensure that no affected citizen is left behind.
The decision to permit MLAs to divert a significant portion of their CDF funds for flood relief and rehabilitation underscores the Government’s flexible and people-centric approach to governance. The Chief Minister noted that the measure would enable legislators to respond swiftly to local needs, complementing ongoing efforts by the administration and disaster management authorities.
He further stated that this one-time special provision reflects the spirit of collective responsibility and compassion that must guide public representatives during times of crisis. “We understand that the recent floods have not only caused physical damage but also emotional and economic distress. This initiative empowers MLAs to directly assist families in rebuilding their lives and homes,” he said.
The CDF relaxation will allow MLAs to allocate resources toward the repair, reconstruction, and strengthening of houses belonging to families that have suffered partial or complete damage. Funds can also be utilized for providing essential materials and logistical support to affected communities. The Chief Minister highlighted that transparent implementation and accountability mechanisms would be ensured so that every rupee reaches those who need it most.
Officials from the Department of Rural Development and Disaster Management have been instructed to coordinate with district administrations to identify genuine beneficiaries and prioritize the most severely affected areas. Each MLA will be required to submit a utilization report detailing the number of houses repaired or rebuilt using CDF allocations.
The initiative has been widely welcomed across political and social circles. Legislators from both ruling and opposition benches expressed appreciation for the Government’s responsive approach, acknowledging that the CDF flexibility provides them the means to deliver tangible relief within their constituencies. Social organizations and local bodies have also hailed the decision as a pragmatic and humane step toward disaster recovery.
This policy comes at a crucial time when several parts of Jammu and Kashmir are still grappling with the aftereffects of the floods. In addition to damage to residential areas, the calamity has disrupted livelihoods and infrastructure, necessitating a multi-pronged rehabilitation strategy. The CDF provision is expected to accelerate the rebuilding process, especially in rural and hilly regions where immediate government intervention is often challenging due to terrain and logistical constraints.
The Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s broader commitment to climate-resilient development, emphasizing that long-term measures are being planned to strengthen flood management systems, improve drainage infrastructure, and enhance the state’s disaster preparedness. He assured that the administration will continue to monitor relief efforts and ensure that the affected families receive timely and adequate support.
By empowering MLAs to take direct action in their constituencies, the Government aims to foster collaborative governance and a stronger connection between elected representatives and citizens. The initiative not only demonstrates the Government’s responsiveness but also sets a precedent for localized and flexible disaster relief mechanisms.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to recover, this decision stands as a testament to the administration’s empathy and resolve to rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.
