Legislators allowed to recommend works under CDF

Srinagar: In what could be an indication of a prolonged spell of Governor’s rule in the State, the Governor administration Saturday lifted the restriction on the use of CDF by legislators even if the state assembly continues to remain suspended.
A circular vide Number 02-PD of 2018 dated 16-08-2018 has been issued by the Secretary Planning Dev.and monitoring asking District Development commissioners to resume works under CDF. Earlier the governor administration had imposed a blanket ban on the execution of works under CDF soon after the state assembly was put on suspended animation. The move had evoked sharp criticism from former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who while demanding dissolving of the assembly had said that the government should not waste crores of rupees on legislator’s salary when they were not in a position to use even their CDF.
Speculations were rife that a political dispensation would be in place after the culmination of annual Amarnath yatra, however the latest directive could be an indication that the Governor’s rule may continue for some more time.
The government has asked Deputy Commissioners to undertake the fresh developmental works also on the recommendation of the legislators provided there was sufficient balance available in their CDF till September 30th 2018. The deputy commissioners have been asked to personally supervise the developmental works.