JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fulfil promises made to the people, telling the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that the Budget 2026-27 lays the foundation for long-term economic growth, social welfare and inclusive development across the Union Territory.
Replying to a three-day discussion on the Budget presented by him on February 6, the Chief Minister — who also holds the Finance portfolio — said the government’s priority is to generate employment, strengthen infrastructure, improve public services and ensure that development benefits reach every section of society in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Regularisation of daily wagers
On the long-pending issue of daily-rated workers, Abdullah announced that the process of regularisation would begin this year.
“God willing, we will initiate regularisation of daily wagers this year, and we will continue to support them,” he said.
He also recalled that employment support for militancy-hit families under SRO provisions was introduced in 1996 during the tenure of former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and had benefited thousands of families.
Opposition criticism rejected
The Chief Minister said criticism from opposition parties was expected, but termed their reaction as frustration over a people-centric Budget.
“Opposition is frustrated because we have presented a good and pro-people Budget for Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
Thanking legislators for their participation, he said many suggestions offered during the debate would be considered in future policy decisions. He added that public response to the Budget had been largely positive.
“People understand that it is not easy to move Jammu and Kashmir forward in these circumstances, but this Budget provides a roadmap to overcome present challenges,” he said.
Focus on poorest sections
Abdullah emphasised that the foremost responsibility of the government is towards the weakest sections of society.
“The first responsibility of every government is to help the poorest. Through this Budget we have tried to provide comfort to those who need it most,” he said, adding that targeted welfare had been prioritised over populist announcements.
Free LPG cylinders and welfare measures
Clarifying a key welfare promise, the Chief Minister said the government will provide free LPG cylinders entirely from its own resources.
“We will give these cylinders with our own money. We do not need funds from the central government,” he said.
He rejected claims that the Budget relied solely on centrally sponsored schemes, announcing new assistance of ₹4,000 per month for orphans and vulnerable families — including children who have lost both parents or the sole breadwinner and are not covered under other schemes. Scholarships for tribal and poor students have also been introduced.
He highlighted the success of the free bus travel scheme for women launched last year, calling it a UT-funded initiative, and announced that the facility has now been extended to persons with disabilities.
EV transport and economic balance
The Chief Minister said the government plans to expand environmentally-friendly electric bus services while ensuring balanced growth for other transport sectors.
“If EV buses reach more areas, autos and taxis will also benefit. By closing one sector, the economy cannot grow,” he said.
Budget expenditure and fiscal position
Rejecting claims that the Budget size was shrinking, Abdullah clarified expenditure figures.
“It is wrong to say we have spent only 12 per cent. Capital expenditure has reached 36 per cent and by March 31 it will be close to last year’s level,” he said.
He explained that last year’s revenue expenditure was higher due to repayment of expensive loans and asserted that the government had allocated resources where they were most needed.
Rural economy at centre stage
Stressing that “J&K lives in villages,” the Chief Minister said development must begin from rural areas. The Budget gives major thrust to agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy sectors.
A new dairy development scheme aims to increase milk production by one lakh litres. He said the initiative has received appreciation from the Centre and may get support from the National Dairy Development Board. Measures to improve livestock quality, backyard poultry and productivity have also been planned.
In horticulture, the government has introduced weather-based crop insurance for the first time.
Concerns over trade policy
Abdullah expressed concern over provisions of the proposed Indo-US trade deal, saying duty-free imports of walnuts and almonds could adversely affect the region’s dry-fruit growers. He added that apple growers should also be protected.
Long-term financial support under SASCI
The Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir would benefit from long-term, zero-interest financial assistance for 50 years under the SASCI scheme.
“The value of money after 50 years can be imagined — this is a significant fiscal relief,” he said, citing examples of benefits availed by other states.
Youth empowerment and jobs
Highlighting Mission YUVA, he said the initiative would promote entrepreneurship, start-ups, skill development and self-employment among youth, enabling them to become partners in economic growth.
He also said industries receiving government incentives — including land, subsidies and power concessions — must prioritise employment for local youth.
Regional Balance and Darbar Move
Rejecting allegations that the Budget was Kashmir-centric, Abdullah said restoration of the Darbar Move to Jammu reflected the government’s commitment to regional balance and to addressing the aspirations of the Jammu region.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said the Budget 2026-27 provides a comprehensive roadmap for inclusive development, social justice and sustainable economic growth, and assured that the government would deliver results on the ground for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Discussion on Budget 2026-27 concludes
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today concluded the discussion on Budget 2026-27 with Legislators deliberating on various developmental priorities besides sector-specific issues.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma remarked that the Budget 2026-27 outlines the government’s one-year roadmap and should provide relief to the people. He emphasised that the government should address the Opposition’s queries.
He raised issues related to employment, regularisation of daily wagers and rehabilitation of terror victim families. He also demanded job policy for the unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Initiating the debate on the concluding day of the budget discussion, MLA Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, while speaking in support of the Budget, said that the budgetary allocations reflect the government’s collective responsibility towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated that the Budget presented is clearly guided by responsibility rather than populism, adding that in the present circumstances, emphasis on capital investment is both timely and significant.
Dr Veeri said that the Budget has been preceded by wider consultations with all stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and balanced development across J&K.
Legislator Saif-ud-din Bhat said that the Budget has addressed all key aspects and will prove beneficial for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that Kashmir is endowed with abundant natural resources and emphasised the need for their sustainable utilisation.
Raising constituency-specific concerns, he highlighted gaps in various sectors and demanded upgradation of health, education and other basic infrastructure to improve service delivery.
Speaking during the discussion, MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania noted that diverse opinions had emerged on the Budget presented in the House. He added that the government should have taken more concrete steps towards employment generation.
Joining the debate, Legislator Sajad Gani Lone said that the Budget could have placed greater emphasis on employment generation and expressed concern over the increasing reliance on the outsourcing of jobs. He said that the budget should help create a more positive economic ambience conducive to attracting investment and generating sustainable employment opportunities.
In his address, MLA Mian Mehar Ali said that while the Budget contains many positive measures, it must ensure equitable development between rural and urban areas. He also emphasised the need to open tourist destinations, saying this would help local people generate livelihood opportunities and boost the regional economy.
Speaking in favour of the Budget, Legislator Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi said that people are witnessing positive changes in their lives, reflecting progress in growth and development.
MLA Pawan Kumar Gupta, while joining the budget debate, said that the real test of governance lies in the outcomes of government actions and directions and how effectively public promises are translated into tangible results on the ground.
Speaking during the discussion, Legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone said that the Budget is guided by a commitment to work for the welfare of the people and is anchored in a pledge to continue striving for their interests within the available resources.
He highlighted the long-pending demands of Anganwadi workers, vocational teachers, Rehbar-e-Janglat and casual labourers. He said these issues deserve focused attention and urged the government to accord top priority to the health and education sectors.
Referring to the Chief Minister’s budget speech, he said that the remarks on casual labourers were optimistic and offered a renewed sense of hope.
Speaking during the discussion, MLA Irshad Rasool Kar called for the strengthening of embankments around Wular Lake and dredging to address the flood-related concerns in his constituency.
He said that significant improvement has taken place over the last year, bringing relief to the people. He also thanked the Chief Minister for sanctioning various development projects in his constituency.
Legislator Mushtaq Guroo said that the Budget has addressed all sections of society and taken care of a wide range of issues. He described the Budget as people-friendly, adding that the interests of the poorest sections have been adequately safeguarded.
Speaking during the discussion, MLA Randhir Singh appreciated the pre-budget meetings, saying that all MLAs were taken on board, reflecting a consultative approach in budget formulation.
He also raised various constituency-specific issues in various sectors.
Joining the debate, Legislator Javaid Riyaz Bedar appreciated the improvement in the surface connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar.
Appreciating Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for touching every sector in the budget 2026-27, the Legislator said that both regions have huge potential for pilgrimage tourism.
Speaking during the debate, MLA Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh reflected upon promises by the current government. He also demanded starting work on the GMC Handwara and asserted that work be expedited on all projects pending for the last several years in the Langate Constituency.
In his address to the House, MLA Tariq Hameed Karra said that the Budget comprised three components, which are hope, intent and delivery. He said this budget is rural and infrastructural specific.
He welcomed the announcements for electricity infrastructure, support to farmers and upgradation in the Health and Education sectors. He stressed that effective execution is required for its solid implementation on the ground.
