Srinagar, Oct 07 (KNO): Several legislators on Tuesday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here at the Civil Secretariat and discussed developmental initiatives with him within their constituencies.
Sources privy to the development told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the legislators discussed the issues pertaining to the developmental works within their constituencies including those already under execution.
“The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. The demands of the public were put forth and also the discussion was held related to the works already under execution,” said one of the legislators, who met the Chief Minister today.
The Chief Minister assured them that all the genuine issues will be addressed.
Earlier, Office of the Chief Minister, J&K, in a post on X, also informed about the meeting with the legislators.
“Several Hon’ble MLAs met Chief Minister today to discuss developmental priorities in their constituencies. The Chief Minister assured all important issues will be addressed and advised them to monitor development works in their areas to ensure visible outcome,” the post reads.
Moreover, the Chief Minister also chaired a high-level meeting here to review the utilization of CAPEX budget and execution of works under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the financial year 2025–26 across various sectors and progress achieved by departments in execution of works under UT capital outlay.
The Chief Minister reviewed department and district-wise progress under the CAPEX and CDF. He stressed the need for accelerated execution of projects and timely utilization of funds. He directed departments to ensure 100% uploading of works on the BEAMS portal and expedite administrative approvals & tendering process, particularly in view of the limited working season in the Kashmir division.
The Chief Minister asked the Finance Department to prepare constituency-wise data of works incorporated in the budget which were prioritized by MLAs and directed Districts to immediately upload CDF works on BEAMS, accord administrative approvals and begin early execution of works.
The Chief Minister emphasized close coordination with MLAs to expedite CDF works and ensure visible development outcomes on the ground. He also underlined the importance of enhancing revenue realization and curtailing avoidable expenditure. “Wherever possible we have to boost our revenues, we have to cut down on all unnecessary expenditure, but at the same time, the money that has been allocated must be spent efficiently in various schemes,” he observed. He directed the concerned ministers to conduct fortnightly reviews to push expenditure and improve funds utilization in their respective departments.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Pulwama, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, in a post on X, criticised the government for not utilizing the developmental funds, saying that barely 10 per cent of the funds have been utilized since the Budget Session, held almost six months back.
“Six months after the Budget Session and a year since elections, the J&K Government has utilised barely 10% of developmental funds. What stops it from spending and delivering? With winter setting in, it’ll soon be impossible to execute projects. Negligence has stalled progress—and today’s @CM_JnK review is too little, too late,” Parra wrote—(KNO)