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| J&K lives in villages, development begins from rural area: CM Omar | | Reaffirms commitment to fulfil promises | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his Government’s firm commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Budget 2026–27 lays a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, social welfare and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir. The Chief Minister was replying to the discussion on the Budget 2026–27, presented by him for the second consecutive year in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on February 6, 2026.
He said the Government is focused on creating employment opportunities, strengthening core infrastructure, improving public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Regularisation of daily rated workers
On the issue of regularization of daily wage workers, CM Omar Abdullah said.
“God willing, we will initiate regularization of daily wagers this year, and we will continue to support them,” he said.
Opposition frustrated over pro-people Budget
The Chief Minister said the opposition is unable to digest the pro-people nature of the Budget.
“Opposition is frustrated because we have presented a good and people-centric Budget for Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
He recalled that SRO-based employment support for militancy-hit families was initiated in 1996 under former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, benefiting thousands.
CM thanks members for valuable suggestions
Responding to the three-day-long debate, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Leader of the House, expressed gratitude to all legislators who participated in the discussion.
“For the last three days, I have been standing here to respond to the debate about the Budget. I thank all the honourable MLAs who took part. They gave valuable suggestions and we will try to implement many of them in the future,” he said.
He noted that the Budget was widely discussed not only inside the House but also outside, and that people have largely responded positively.
“Generally, people were satisfied with the Budget. They understand that it is not easy to propel Jammu and Kashmir forward in these circumstances, but through this Budget, a roadmap has been laid out to take J&K out of the present challenges,” he remarked.
Budget covers all sectors, focuses on the weaker sections
The Chief Minister underlined that the Government’s foremost responsibility is towards the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.
“The first responsibility of every government is to help the weakest and the poorest. Through this Budget, we have tried to provide comfort to those who need it the most,” he said.
Rejecting criticism over not announcing certain populist measures, he stated firmly that the Government’s priority remains social justice and targeted welfare.
Free LPG cylinders to be funded through J&K’s own resources
Clarifying a major welfare promise, CM Omar Abdullah announced that the Government will provide free LPG cylinders from its own budgetary resources, without depending on any central scheme.
“I want to put it on record that we will give these cylinders with our own money and resources. We do not need to take money from the central government for this,” he said.
New welfare measures beyond Central Schemes
Responding to allegations that the Budget contains only centrally-sponsored schemes, the Chief Minister highlighted several unique initiatives funded directly through the J&K Budget.
He announced monthly assistance for orphans and vulnerable families:
“We have said that those who have lost both parents, or who have lost the sole breadwinner, will be declared orphans. If they are not covered under any other scheme, they will receive Rs 4,000 per month,” he said.
Similarly, scholarships for tribal children and poor students have been introduced where no other coverage exists.
He also recalled the success of free bus ridership for women announced last year.
“This was not a Government of India scheme. We introduced it through our own Budget, and it has been very successful,” he said.
This year, the Government has extended free ridership relief to persons with disabilities.
EV Buses and balanced economic growth
The Chief Minister also spoke about expanding environmentally-friendly EV bus service while ensuring balanced growth for other transport sectors.
“If we can make EV buses reach more areas, autos and taxis will also run. By closing one thing, we cannot increase the economy,” he said.
Budget expenditure and economic stre Budget 2026–27 lays a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, social welfare inclusive development
Regularization of Daily Wagers to be initiated this year
J&K to benefit from long-term, zero-interest assistance under SASCI;
Agriculture, Horticulture, Dairy get major push
Refuting claims that the Budget is shrinking, CM Omar Abdullah clarified expenditure figures and said misleading comparisons were being drawn.
“It is wrong to say we have spent only 12 per cent. If we look only at capital expenditure, it has reached 36 per cent, and by March 31 we will bring it close to last year’s level,” he informed.
He explained that last year’s revenue expenditure was higher due to settlement of expensive loans, which is not the case this year.
“To say that we are shrinking our economy is not true at all. We have put our money where it is most needed,” he asserted.
Focus on rural economy: Agriculture, Horticulture and Dairy
Emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir lives in its villages, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Budget gives special attention to strengthening the rural economy.
“As long as village areas do not develop, J&K will not develop,” he said.
He listed key thrust areas including agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy development.
The Chief Minister announced a new dairy scheme aimed at increasing milk production by one lakh litres.
“The central government has praised this initiative and even wants to support us further through the National Dairy Development Board,” he said.
He also spoke about improving livestock quality, backyard poultry, and enhancing productivity.
In horticulture, he highlighted the introduction of weather-based crop insurance for the first time.
“If there is nothing in our Budget, then why did this not happen before?” he asked.
Concerns over Indo-US Trade Deal impacting J&K Horticulture
During his address, CM Omar Abdullah raised serious concerns over provisions of the Indo-US trade deal, stating it could adversely impact Jammu and Kashmir’s dry fruit and horticulture economy.
“Tree nuts—walnuts and almonds—are the origin of Jammu and Kashmir. Allowing them duty-free imports raises questions about sympathy for our farmers,” he said.
He added that even apples should have been protected.
SASCI Scheme: Interest-free support for 50 years
On the SASCI scheme, the Chief Minister said it provides Jammu and Kashmir access to interest-free financial support for the next 50 years, calling it a responsible fiscal measure.
“The value of money after 50 years can be imagined. This is a significant relief,” he said.
He cited figures from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to explain how states have benefited under the scheme.
Mission YUVA: Empowering youth through entrepreneurship and employment
The Chief Minister also underscored his Government’s strong focus on youth empowerment through Mission YUVA, a flagship initiative aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship and enhancing skill development across Jammu and Kashmir. He said the scheme is designed to harness the potential of young people by supporting start-ups, self-employment ventures and targeted training programmes, enabling the youth to become active partners in the region’s economic growth.
Restoration of Darbar Move reflects commitment to Jammu’s aspirations
Addressing criticism that the Budget is Kashmir-centric, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed such assertions meaningless and misplaced, stating that his Government remains equally committed to balanced development across all regions. He pointed out that the Government would not have restored the Darbar Move to Jammu if it did not intend to correct the wrongs done with Jammu and ensure equitable attention to its aspirations and needs.
Industries to prioritise recruitment of local youth
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah further emphasised that industries benefiting from the incentives and support provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Government must also contribute meaningfully to local employment generation. He noted that industrial units receive substantial facilitation in the form of subsidies, land, power supply and other concessions, and therefore have a responsibility to prioritise the recruitment of local youth. The Government, he said, has impressed upon such industries to ensure that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the younger generation, are given adequate employment opportunities so that industrial growth translates into inclusive development and real benefits for the region.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that the Budget 2026–27 is a roadmap for inclusive growth, long-term development and social justice, and that his Government remains fully committed to delivering results on the ground for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. |
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