“Opposition frustrated over pro-people budget”
JAMMU, FEB 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, describing the Budget 2026–27 as a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, social welfare, and inclusive development across the Union Territory.
Replying to the three-day discussion on the Budget in the J&K Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said the Government is focused on creating employment opportunities, strengthening infrastructure, improving public services, and ensuring development benefits reach every citizen in a transparent, timely manner.
Support for Daily Wagers and Vulnerable Sections
On the regularization of daily wagers, CM Omar Abdullah announced, “God willing, we will initiate regularization this year and continue to support them.” He highlighted other pro-people measures, including monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 for orphans and vulnerable families, scholarships for tribal children and poor students, and free LPG cylinders funded entirely through the J&K budget.
“Opposition is frustrated because we have presented a good and people-centric Budget for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, dismissing criticism over the non-inclusion of populist measures and emphasizing that the Government prioritizes social justice and targeted welfare.
Emphasising that “J&K lives in villages; development begins from rural areas,” the Chief Minister underscored the Budget’s focus on agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and dairy development. He announced a new dairy scheme targeting an increase of one lakh litres of milk production, and highlighted weather-based crop insurance for the first time in horticulture.
Omar Abdullah outlined the benefits of the SASCI scheme, which provides long-term, zero-interest financial assistance for the next 50 years, calling it a responsible fiscal measure aimed at boosting the UT’s economy. He cited examples from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to illustrate the scheme’s impact.
The Chief Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through Mission YUVA, promoting entrepreneurship, skill development, and self-employment opportunities. He stressed that industries benefiting from government incentives must prioritize local recruitment to ensure that industrial growth translates into inclusive development for the region.
Responding to criticism that the Budget is Kashmir-centric, CM Omar Abdullah said such claims are “meaningless and misplaced,” asserting that the Government is equally committed to balanced development across all regions, citing the restoration of the Darbar Move to Jammu as evidence of its efforts to address regional aspirations.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that Budget 2026–27 lays a roadmap for inclusive growth, long-term development, and social justice, affirming his Government’s resolve to deliver tangible results for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
