 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 9: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, today appreciated the Annual Budget for the financial year 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, describing it as a progressive, people-centric, and development-oriented financial roadmap that lays a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable, and inclusive growth across Jammu and Kashmir.
Gupta said in a Joining function at party's provincial headquarters at Sher-e- Kashmir Bhavan, Jammu, that the second budget presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is firmly rooted in the interests of the poor and the middle class. He noted that the budget reflects a clear commitment to welfarism and balanced development, with focused interventions across key sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, health, education, electricity, sports, and social welfare-measures that will significantly benefit the youth and marginalized sections of society.
Highlighting major people-oriented initiatives, Gupta said the government has announced the provision of six free gas cylinders annually to over two lakh Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, scholarships for orphans, free bus services for persons with special abilities, and the expeditious filling of 23,800 government posts, including 2,800 gazetted, 14,000 non-gazetted, and 7,000 Class IV positions within a stipulated timeframe. He also lauded the launch of a comprehensive weather-based insurance scheme for farmers worth ?6,594 crore.
Gupta further outlined other significant initiatives, including special financial incentives for employees posted in remote and difficult areas, employment opportunities for local youth in Jammu and Kashmir industries, dignified security and future planning for daily wage workers, and crop insurance coverage for apples, saffron, mangoes, and lychees. He also welcomed major reforms in the education sector and substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as the expansion of Lal Ded Hospital, the establishment of a new Mother and Child Hospital at GMC Anantnag, cath labs at Rajouri, Baramulla, and Doda, emergency hospitals in Uri and Poonch, a comprehensive cancer control strategy, and the deployment of bulletproof ambulances in border areas.
Gupta asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have given the National Conference a clear mandate to serve. Despite severe challenges and limited resources, he said, the government is steadfastly working in line with the aspirations, sentiments, and demands of the people, ensuring equitable development reaches even the most remote corners of the Union Territory.
On this occasion Arun Thothla from Jain Bazar and Mrs Gouri from Jain Bazar Joined National Conference.
Among others who were present included: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone,G.H Malik Senior leader, Farooq Mughal Advisor to Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal, Ajay Kumar and others. |
