Srinagar, July 6: In a significant policy decision aimed at strengthening healthcare support for economically weaker sections, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has amended the guidelines of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Scheme, allowing Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to allocate up to ₹20 lakh annually from their CDF for medical assistance to patients suffering from life-threatening diseases.
The amendment has been notified through Government Order No. FD of 2026, issued by the Finance Department on July 6, 2026, partially modifying Government Order No. 279-FD of 2025 dated October 30, 2025.
Under the revised guidelines, assistance will be available to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and other economically weaker categories notified by the government. The financial aid will cover treatment for specified life-threatening illnesses, including cancer, organ transplantation, chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplantation, and other diseases notified by the government from time to time.
The order prescribes a maximum financial assistance of ₹2.75 lakh for cancer treatment, ₹5 lakh for organ transplantation, and ₹1 lakh for chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. The government has clarified that assistance will only be provided for the portion of treatment costs not covered under existing health schemes.
Before seeking support under the MLA CDF, patients will be required to exhaust benefits available under government-sponsored programmes such as PM-JAY SEHAT, the Medical Aid Trust (MAT), the Cancer Treatment and Management Fund for Poor (CTMFFP), and other applicable schemes.
To ensure transparency, payments will be made directly to empanelled hospitals or medical institutions rather than to beneficiaries. Every case must be supported by certification from the competent medical authority and verification of the applicant’s income eligibility by the concerned district authorities.
The Finance Department has also mandated a transparent approval and audit mechanism to prevent misuse of funds and ensure accountability in the implementation of the revised provisions.
The amendment is expected to provide additional financial support to patients from economically weaker backgrounds facing the high cost of treatment for critical illnesses while complementing existing government healthcare schemes.
