Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today held pre-budget consultations with public representatives from Jammu district.
The session was attended by Minister Satish Sharma, Chairman District Development Council (DDC), Members of Legislative Assembly from District Jammu, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta and Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya; with some of the MLA’s attending the meeting virtually through video conference, an official press release informed.
It said addressing the participants, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the importance of engaging with elected representatives in the budget-making process to ensure that the aspirations and needs of the people are adequately reflected.
“We could have drafted the budget in our offices, but we are consulting elected representatives so that the people’s needs and aspirations are taken into account,” the Chief Minister stated.
He acknowledged that public representatives are aware of the ground realities and they have interacted closely with the people during election campaigns.
“During your electioneering, you traveled across your constituencies and met people. You understand their issues and demands because you are directly connected to them. That is why I decided to hold these consultations with you,” he added.
He expressed confidence that these discussions would play a crucial role in shaping the budget and addressing key concerns of the people. During the consultation, the Chairman of DDC Jammu and MLAs put forward various demands and concerns affecting their constituencies. They stressed the need for improving irrigation systems and ensuring access to clean drinking water in several areas.
Many representatives raised concern about the poor condition of roads, need for construction of bridges and the overall upgradation of infrastructure to facilitate better connectivity. The discussions also covered healthcare improvements, construction of new educational institutions among other things.
Additionally, representatives voiced concerns regarding drainage and sewerage management, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, calling for a modernized drainage network to prevent waterlogging and sanitation issues.
The alarming rise in drug abuse was another key issue, with requests for establishing de-addiction centers, awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement measures. Several members also called for the development of sports infrastructure, including the construction of stadiums, playgrounds, and training centers to encourage youth participation in sports.
Tourism development was another key focus, with suggestions to promote local attractions, improve tourist amenities, and create new tourism circuits to boost the local economy.
The public representatives thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for initiating the pre-budget consultations, stating that it was for the first time that they were being actively involved in the budget formulation process.
They expressed appreciation for the government’s inclusive approach, which allowed them to voice their constituency needs directly. They also expressed optimism that their concerns and demands would be taken into account while drafting the budget.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Jammu presented a detailed sector-wise proposal based on inputs from MLAs. The proposals covered various development sectors, including rural and urban development, public works, irrigation, healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Special attention was given to flood protection measures, groundwater conservation, and strengthening the Jal Shakti department to address water scarcity.
Uplifting marginalized communities is our duty: CM Omar Abdullah
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday emphasized that uplifting marginalized communities like Gujjar-Bakerwal is not an act of favour but a fundamental duty of his government.
According to an official press release, the Chief Minister said that despite the limitations in ministerial appointments after last year’s elections, he ensured representation for the Gujjar community by appointing Javed Ahmed Rana as a minister in his cabinet.
Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, who also addressed the event, was in attendance. Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Patron Chief GDCT Abdul Hamid Choudhary and Chairman GDCT Arshid Ali Choudhary also spoke at the event.
“After the election, we had to think about the cabinet ministers. However, there was very little scope. I requested Mr. Javed Rana to join the cabinet. Not only would he serve Jammu and Kashmir, but he will also be responsible for representing the community, being your voice, and addressing all your issues,” the Chief Minister stated at a felicitation ceremony held by Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust in his honor following his election as Chief Minister of J&K. Omar Abdullah further stated that by inducting Javed Rana into the cabinet, he aimed to ensure that the Gujjar community’s concerns were heard and addressed within the government.
On the demand for a Tribal University, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that with the dedication of the trust and its people, this vision would become a reality soon.
“You should prepare a project. You should prepare a plan. I will sit with your trust when your plan is ready; we will definitely do our part,” he assured.
Reflecting on his previous visit to Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT) as Chief Minister, he acknowledged the changes over time—some positive, some challenging.
“After a long time, I have again had the opportunity to attend a function of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust. If my recollection is correct, perhaps when I came here for the last time, I was a Chief Minister. A lot has changed since then” he said.
Paying tribute to Dr. Masood A. Choudhary, the visionary founder of GDCT, the Chief Minister praised his legacy and contributions.
“But unfortunately, the person who planted this seed, whose dream was Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, who laid its foundation, is no longer with us. If I begin my speech without remembering Dr. Masood A. Choudhary, it would be an injustice,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also expressed his emotional connection to the trust, recalling the close relationship his grandmother, Madr-e-Meharban, had with it.
“I want this trust to grow stronger. My grandmother had a deep bond with it. Though she is no longer with us, her name is etched here. You have honored her memory by dedicating a library in her name. I consider it my responsibility to ensure that wherever possible, the government supports this trust in fulfilling its mission,” he said.
Assuring continued government support, Omar Abdullah pledged: “I assure you that on my behalf, on behalf of all ministers, advisor, and the government—wherever you need assistance, you will always find us standing with you.”
Later, the Chief Minister also visited the library block established by GDCT for research on the Gujjar-Bakkerwal community.
