A Letter From Mehraj Malik’s Letterpad; But J-K Govt’s CDF Guidelines – The Main Hurdle

A Letter From Mehraj Malik's Letterpad Image/FB@MehrajMalik

Dil Bar Irshad | April 17, 2025 | 11:07 AM IST | Doda, Jammu Kashmir, Politics | Follow on Google News

A Letter From Mehraj Malik’s Letterpad; But J-K Govt’s CDF Guidelines – The Main Hurdle

• Could this issue be discussed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s next session

• Will this issue be taken up for questions and answers

Aam Aadmi Party’s lone MLA from Jammu and Kashmir, Mehraj Din Malik, recently created a public buzz, but also a ray of hope, after posting a letter from his official letterpad, calling for the re-engagement of 10+2 lecturers in Doda East Assembly-based schools and paying the honorarium of 1 Crore annually from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

What Mehraj Wrote in His Letter?

MLA Doda Mehraj Malik, in a letter written to Education Minister Sakina Itoo, expressed serious concern about the shortage of staff in Government Higher Secondary Schools across District Doda.

Mehraj stated that this is causing a major dent in the educational careers of thousands of students, where some leave education midway, and some are forced to travel to cities for academic opportunities.

The MLA, in that written statement, mentioned that 10+2 lecturers, whose services were being taken earlier, were disengaged in the year 2019 and now have no option left despite their experience and services, as they devoted a crucial part of their career/life to this cause.

Till this, all was fine, but what a bonanza it was when the Hon’ble MLA proposed the allocation of Rs. 1 Crore annually from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as an honorarium to the lecturers in Doda East Assembly-based schools. Additionally, he called upon the Hon’ble Minister for Education for immediate facilitation of their engagement.

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What’s the Clash?

The irony is that the basic concept of governance feels handicapped when the developmental index is seen—it matches nowhere near the litmus test. The Jammu and Kashmir Government, on March 03, 2025, revised the guidelines for the execution/implementation of the Constituency Development Fund, which totally denies the usage of CDF to be paid as honorarium/salary/wages. “CDF is to be used for only Developmental Works,” state the guidelines.

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Under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Scheme, developmental works could be taken in the priority areas viz; construction/upgradation of schools, tube wells, water pumps, solar street and lights, roads, link roads, culverts, bridges, crematoriums, footpaths, etc. But in non-permissible works, nothing can be spent on office buildings, residential buildings, and other buildings relating to Central or State Government Departments, Agencies or Organizations or Private Individuals. Additionally, the creation of posts and payment of salaries or any other kind of revenue expenditure is not allowed to be taken up under the CDF Scheme.

Though all gets clear—that the statement of the MLA regarding paying the honorarium from CDF may not align with the guidelines—the 23rd pointer of the guidelines handbook says that this list is not exhaustive and new works can be added to the list on
the recommendations of the MLA, only if it complies with the overall principles of the scheme as mentioned hereinabove. The DDC / Implementing Authority may submit recommendations to the Finance Department, for inclusion of any activity in the list of works under CDF.

This pointer, if submitted to the concerned authority, may be the ray of hope to address the serious issue of staff shortage and unemployment.

As the term “developmental works” itself implies — works for the cause of development — could this backbone work get approved by the authorities?

How Netizens Reacted?

After the letter went viral, social media got flooded with messages — some greeting, some appreciating the move of MLA Doda. Some were also seen criticizing due to political differences, but the majority said it’s a great move.

A social media user, “Draijaz Ahmed,” said, “You and your work will be remembered for centuries.” Another user, “Anil Rathore R,” said, “Gud job Mehraj Sir, God bless u and ur thinking.”

Sheikh Zaffarullah — DDC Member from Marwah — appreciated the move, but stated the unacceptance of the proposal by the J-K Govt.

Whereas a social media user from Kashmir, Iqbal Rasheed, stated, “Salute to u. Kashmir also needs MLAs like u, but unfortunately, they did scams and appointed their close relatives and workers in government departments without any merit……….”

Another user, “Rajnder Katoch,” wrote, “Your decision to allocate CDF funds towards education reflects a commendable and far-sighted vision—one that many modern politicians often overlook. This move stands as a testament to your understanding that education is the foundation of all other development. Only an educated society can truly grasp the long-term value of such investments. Your commitment is deeply appreciated!”

A user, “Kalidas,” wrote: “This is an exemplary idea which never happened in the past.
Much of the CDF is misused….. Malik has set an example to use CDF for education which is 100% free from commission, a very pious job for education.”

Sarshad Natnoo – Former Chairman Block Gundana labels this move as ‘publicity stunt’. In a ‘X’ post, Sarshad wrote: “Unfortunately hon’ble MLA #Doda is busy making publicity stunts through so-called letters without knowing norms of CDF.
As per CDF rules, it can be used only for the developmental works.”

Shadab Suharwardy – Zonal Vice President NC (Chenab Zone), also posted the prohibition guideline post, and labels it a ‘publicity stunt’.

Some also say, if Waqf can be amended, if 70+ years of Articles can be broken/removed, why can’t such a public-friendly initiative be addressed? Why couldn’t the guidelines be amended?

Even some social media handlers say, there should be a debate on this topic in the next assembly session.

Overall, the letter seems a ray of hope—if approved and implemented by putting everything on record. It could be an eye-opener for the developmental index and unemployment issue in Jammu and Kashmir.

Dil Bar Irshad

Dil Bar Irshad is a seasoned journalist, hails from Jammu Kashmir's Doda, covers political, social, business stories, index stories.