Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a meeting with stakeholders from industry, tourism, and education sectors on Friday to ensure their concerns shape the upcoming budget and policies of the Union territory.
This was the chief minister’s third pre-budget consultation in as many days. He held extensive pre-budget meetings, both online and offline, with MLAs from various districts on Wednesday and Thursday.
Today on the third day of consultations, Chief Minister met the public representatives, including District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons and MLAs from Pulwama and Reasi districts, who raised concerns regarding electricity supply, drinking water schemes, flood management, staffing of schools and hospitals, upgradation of primary health centers, construction of bridges, and the development of new tourist destinations, parks, and parking facilities.
Addressing the participants, Omar Abdullah emphasized that these consultations were essential for shaping a budget that truly reflects the aspirations of the people. He acknowledged the pivotal role of public representatives in understanding grassroots-level challenges and assured them that their concerns would be duly considered.
“In the past, it was not possible for the Finance minister of the country to meet with you all and discuss Jammu & Kashmir’s specific needs. But after the elections and the formation of our government, we now have the authority to draft our own budget, making these interactions even more crucial,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that over 33 interventions had been made during the session, reflecting the wide range of developmental issues requiring attention. He assured the participants that while it was not possible to address each demand immediately, “nothing that has been said here will be ignored” and that all concerns would be carefully examined during budget formulation.
The Chief Minister stated that this budget held special significance as it was the first time in many years that Jammu & Kashmir was preparing its own budget in consultation with public representatives. He stressed that these consultations were an effort to ensure inclusivity in the budgeting process.
The Chief Minister emphasised these consultations aim to ensure that the proposals of people’s representatives are considered and the budget reflects their needs and aspirations.
Touching upon economic growth and industrial development, he stressed the need to support manufacturing, trade, and tourism. He noted the expansion of the railway network, highlighting how connectivity had gradually improved from Pathankot to Jammu, then to Udhampur and Katra, with plans for the train to reach Srinagar this year. However, he said that apprehensions over Jammu’s economy must be addressed from the adverse effects of shifting trade patterns, ensuring that the region continues to thrive as a commercial hub.
On tourism, the Chief Minister emphasized that Jammu had immense potential, particularly in religious and pilgrimage tourism. He said, “If marketed and promoted effectively, Jammu province can become India’s top destination for religious tourism.” He noted that while most visitors come for Mata Vaishno Devi’s pilgrimage, efforts must be made to showcase Jammu’s other sacred sites, encouraging pilgrims to extend their stay and explore the region’s cultural heritage.
He also stressed the importance of sports tourism, stating that discussions were underway for organizing a major sports event in Jammu, similar to the successful Srinagar Marathon. Plans were also in place for the expansion of Jammu Airport, addressing infrastructural challenges to improve connectivity.
The Chief Minister also expressed his support for private education, stating that Jammu & Kashmir should explore legislative frameworks to encourage the establishment of private universities, providing more opportunities for quality higher education.
Concluding his address, he thanked all participants for their valuable inputs, assuring them that their concerns and suggestions would be incorporated into the government’s policies and development agenda. “We will try to ensure that your ideas are reflected in our policies and programs. Your time and efforts in this consultation process are truly appreciated,” he said.
In a separate pre-budget consultation session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with representatives from various sectors, including industry & trade, tourism, hotel & hospitality, education, social welfare, tribal affairs, youth affairs, and agriculture.
During the session, stakeholders from various sectors, including industry & trade, tourism, hotel & hospitality, education, social welfare, tribal affairs, youth affairs, and agriculture, put forth several key demands. They emphasized the need for developing Jammu as a religious and pilgrimage tourism hub, expanding private education opportunities, enhancing sports infrastructure, and strengthening support for tribal communities. Additionally, discussions were held on boosting tourism, improving trade policies, and fostering industrial growth to drive economic development in the region.
During his interaction, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the upcoming J&K Budget reflects the aspirations of the people, incorporating their demands into the government’s development agenda.
CM reviews preparations for Jammu Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon 2025
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting to discuss the preparations for the Jammu Half Marathon & Ultra Marathon 2025, scheduled to be held later this year.
According to an official press release, the meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Satosh D. Vaidya, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal, Director Tourism Jammu, representatives from BISAG-N, marathon experts, and other concerned officials, both in person and virtually.
Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appreciated the initiative, emphasizing that the marathon should receive widespread publicity to attract top athletes from across the country.
The chief minister highlighted the significance of such events in boosting tourism in Jammu & Kashmir and positioning the region as a prime destination for sports and adventure tourism. “The success of this marathon will not only promote fitness and sports culture but will also bring Jammu into the spotlight as a key tourist destination. Ensure that all necessary preparations are in place and give the event the prominence it deserves,” the Chief Minister directed the officials.
At the outset, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal presented a detailed overview of the planned events.
She briefed the meeting on the proposed routes, event schedules, and logistical arrangements for the marathon.
The Chief Minister instructed the officials to ensure that the event dates do not clash with other major marathons across the country, allowing maximum participation from national and international athletes.
The Jammu Half Marathon 2025 will feature: 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Fitness Gauge Run and 5 km Fun Run. Discussions were also held on the route planning, prize structure, logo, flag-off timings, T-shirts, branding, sponsorships, and digital outreach.
The meeting emphasized collaboration with key stakeholders, including the trade and travel industry, hotel and hospitality sector, corporate sponsors, government departments, and business establishments to enhance the event’s scale and impact.
Additionally, the meeting reviewed the Jammu Ultra Marathon, drawing inspiration from prestigious ultra-marathons like the Khardung La Challenge and Bangalore Ultra Marathon. The discussion covered key aspects such as the route, prize structure, registration process, branding, and promotional activities.
The inclusion of an adventure race in Kashmir valley was also deliberated upon.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure meticulous planning and execution to make the Jammu Half Marathon & Ultra Marathon 2025 a landmark event, promoting Jammu as one of the premier sports tourism centre.
