The decision by the Government to merge the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of MLAs with the District Capex Budget has ignited significant resentment among legislators, cutting across party lines. This decision is being viewed not merely as a financial restructuring exercise but as a move that severely limits the autonomy of elected representatives and disrupts the essence of constituency-level development. The CDF, which amounts to Rs 3 crore annually for each MLA, has traditionally served as a discretionary fund meant for addressing immediate and small-scale needs within a constituency. These needs often emerge unexpectedly and require quick action-be it repairing infrastructure damaged in natural calamities, supporting vulnerable individuals, or meeting community-specific demands that do not fit within the long planning horizons of the Capex Budget.
By integrating the CDF into the Capex framework, the Government is effectively converting a responsive, real-time tool into a rigid, pre-approved set of projects that must be finalised at the beginning of the financial year. This severely curtails the ability of MLAs to respond to emergencies or change priorities on the ground. The Capex Budget, being an annual, bureaucratically driven plan, lacks the flexibility to accommodate the dynamic and often unpredictable needs of local constituencies. Legislators have rightly raised concerns that once they submit works amounting to Rs 3 crore at the beginning of the year, they will be left with no funds for the remainder of the period, thus rendering them powerless in the face of new or urgent requirements.
Equally troubling is the infringement upon the institutional autonomy of the MLAs. In a democratic setup, elected representatives are the primary link between the administration and the people. Stripping them of control over the CDF not only undermines their authority but also dilutes the very spirit of representative governance. Legislators from across the political spectrum-including the National Conference, Congress, BJP, and CPM-have voiced their opposition, emphasising that this move disempowers them at a time when they are expected to be at the forefront of local development. MLAs counter that the merger undermines the purpose of the CDF, which is supposed to be at the MLA’s discretion, much like the MPLADS for Members of Parliament.
This development follows a pattern witnessed last year when funds allocated to the DDC budget were abruptly reduced, prompting members to boycott District Capex meetings. This repeated centralisation of funds points to a broader trend of diminishing the authority of elected grassroots representatives in favour of bureaucratic control. Such actions run counter to the principles of participatory democracy and decentralised governance. While the Government might argue that the merger is intended to bring more financial discipline and transparency or curb misuse of funds, such objectives can be achieved through better monitoring and audit mechanisms rather than by eliminating the discretionary powers of MLAs altogether.
A pragmatic way forward would be to restore the CDF as an independent fund with stringent but reasonable guidelines for transparency and accountability. Ensuring regular audits, public tracking of expenditures, and coordination with district administrations can mitigate misuse concerns without compromising flexibility. Additionally, allowing the rollover of unused CDF funds to the next fiscal year, similar to the MPLADS, would prevent last-minute spending and encourage responsible utilisation. At the same time, MLAs should be actively involved in the Capex planning process to ensure their input is reflected in larger developmental projects. However, this should not come at the cost of their discretion over smaller, need-based initiatives.
The Government must recognise that grassroots development is not a one-size-fits-all process and that elected MLAs are best positioned to understand and act upon the needs of their constituencies in real-time. Merger impact could be counterproductive-resulting in delayed interventions, unaddressed emergencies, and a growing disconnect between the people and their elected representatives. To ensure smooth governance and effective constituency development, the autonomy of the CDF must be reinstated. Empowering MLAs is not about political convenience; it is a foundational requirement for responsive, accountable, and democratic governance.
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