SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, will convene a crucial meeting today at 4 PM at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to deliberate on several major policy proposals ahead of the upcoming Assembly session.
According to official sources, the Cabinet is likely to approve a proposal to increase the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of MLAs from ₹3 crore to ₹4 crore per annum. The move comes in response to a long-pending demand from legislators, who had sought an upward revision during the Budget Session earlier this year.
The CDF was last revised in 2018 and has remained unchanged even after the formation of the new government in 2024. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance, Planning, Development, and Monitoring portfolios, had earlier assured lawmakers that their concerns would be addressed. The proposed enhancement aims to boost grassroots development and enable MLAs to respond more effectively to local needs.
Another significant agenda item is the relaxation of eligibility norms under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme. Currently, poor girls must be at least “Middle Pass” to qualify for financial aid under the scheme. The Cabinet is likely to remove this educational requirement, thereby expanding access to more deserving beneficiaries.
The Cabinet is also expected to give the go-ahead for e-auctioning of limestone mineral blocks across Jammu and Kashmir and to grant administrative approval for a ₹45.80 crore sewerage project in Gulmarg. The project aims to strengthen sanitation and tourism infrastructure in the famous hill resort.
In addition, the Cabinet will take up several legislative proposals, including the Jammu and Kashmir Shops and Establishments Bill, 2025 and amendments to the J&K Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017. Both are expected to be introduced during the Assembly session scheduled to begin on October 23 in Srinagar.
Other agenda items include:
Reorganization of Town Planning Organizations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Transfer of 391 kanals and 6 marlas of state land to the Forest Department for compensatory afforestation.
Upgradation of posts in the Department of Floriculture, Gardens, and Parks.
Creation of a supernumerary post of Lecturer (Surgery) at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar.
Continuation of Heritage Craft Courses in 15 Government ITIs and Polytechnic Colleges across the Union Territory.
All Cabinet decisions will be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor for formal approval, as required under the current administrative framework.
