JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that funds under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Scheme are being utilized across all Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir for works identified and recommended by respective MLAs, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Finance Department. The Chief Minister was responding to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Habba Kadal Shamim Firdous during the ongoing Budget Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.

He said that the Government has amended the CDF guidelines to expand the scope of assistance. As per the revised provisions, MLAs can now allocate up to ₹50 lakh from their CDF for providing housing assistance, including reconstruction and repair of houses for families affected by calamities, for the FY 2026–27. The Chief Minister further informed that the assistance to an individual family is capped at ₹1 lakh, and importantly, the benefit is not restricted to tribal or BPL families but is available to all affected families.

Clarifying the scope of the term “calamity” in the amended guidelines, he stated that it includes all events causing significant damage or harm, including fire incidents. Referring to District Srinagar, the Chief Minister said that 24 cases were received from MLA Habba Kadal for providing assistance to fire victims under the CDF Scheme, involving an estimated cost of ₹12.80 lakh. Of these, five cases have already been cleared for additional assistance after completing all required formalities.

He added that the remaining 19 cases are under examination and assessment in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, and assured that all eligible cases recommended by the MLA will be processed in accordance with the prescribed norms.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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