 Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 10: National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today hailed the J&K Budget 2025-26, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, as a bold and people-centric financial roadmap despite the economic challenges inherited from the previous regime.
“Despite empty coffers, the government has taken a big leap forward in fulfilling its election promises, demonstrating its commitment to public welfare and inclusive development”, Mr Sadhotra said while addressing a workers meeting at Basohli which\ was organized by Block President Raja Rafiq.
Mr. Sadhotra particularly lauded two key provisions in the budget - 200 units of free electricity per month for domestic consumers and 10 kg of free Ration for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families - as major relief measures for economically weaker sections.
These initiatives reflect the National Conference’s commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring basic necessities like power and food security for the needy people, he added.
Sadhotra also referred to the other initiatives like focus on farmers and rural development, saying to support the agricultural community, the budget provides for interest-free crop loans and subsidies on fertilizers besides irrigation facilities to ensure uninterrupted water supply for farming activities, which will go a long way in giving boost to growth and fillip to farmer’s economy.
Mr Sadhotra exuded confidence that the government will create thousands of job opportunities in various sectors, ensuring merit-based and transparent recruitment.
He also lauded the proposal of launching special training initiatives to equip youth with modern skills, enhancing their employability in both government and private sectors besides extension of universal health insurance coverage for BPL families , ensuring that economically weaker sections to receive free medical treatment.
Sadhotra described as game changer the Omar Abdullah government’s significant fund allocation for the modernization of government schools, colleges, and technical institutes to enhance the quality of education besides expansion of road networks with special focus on building new highways and rural roads to improve connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir.
He also hailed the initiatives for urban development to improve drainage, water supply, and sanitation in urban areas for making cities more livable.
Welcoming the path breaking initiatives for promoting Basohli tourism and Mr Sadhotra referred to the dedicated fund for the promotion and preservation Basohli Paintings - a unique and traditional art form, saying establishment of artisan training programs and art hubs to encourage local artists will promote these paintings at national and international exhibitions, ensuring that this traditional art form gains wider recognition and economic viability.
Mr. Sadhotra urged the people to strengthen the National Conference to enable it to continue serving the people and fulfilling their aspirations.
He emphasized that the National Conference led government under Omar Abdullah is dedicated to holistic development and people-first governance.
“The National Conference has always stood for the rights and welfare of the people and has chartered a mission to build a prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Mr Sadhotra reiterated that the National Conference would continue working towards economic empowerment, social justice, to the women and overall development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mohd Ayub Malik Secretary Provincial. Ch Naresh Bittu, Raghbir Singh District Presidents Jammu Randhir Singh, Ashwani Charak, Devinder Mehta, Ch Hameed, Devinder Singh, Maheshwar Chalotra, Vishwajeet Singh, Sahil Singh Chib, Dharam Pal Kundal, Sohan Singh, Charan Jeet Singh, Zakir Hussain, Suresh Sharma, Pardeep Sharma. |
