JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Saturday began discussion on the Budget 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday.
Initiating the debate on the Budget, Legislator Javid Hassan Baig described Budget 2026-27 as a pro-people document that addresses and fulfils the aspirations and needs of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated that despite challenges, consistent efforts are being made to ensure better governance and public welfare.
Legislator Devyani Rana, in her maiden speech, submitted that local feedback must be welcomed with the intent of institutionalisation, not treated as a mere formality. She stated that the legislators have a collective responsibility to do better, and merely repackaging central schemes will not address the ground realities. She raised the issue of the dearth of staff in the power development department. She asked for facilities like ramps for disabled persons in the proposed free bus service.
Joining the debate on the budget, Legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat said that the budget is a balanced budget. He appreciated the announcement of the cultural Centre for Bandipora and crop insurance for the farmers. He suggested that proactive steps be taken to protect the environment. He raised issues related to the livelihood of fishermen, Tribals, power infrastructure, opening of tourist destinations and other issues.
Speaking during the debate, Legislator Muzaffar Iqbal Khan demanded protection for land and jobs for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the regularisation of daily wagers is a welcome step as announced by the Chief Minister during his Budget speech.
He said that the special feature of the budget is the mention of the development of border villages.
During the debate, Legislator Sunil Bhardwaj said the budget should have a clear policy for daily wagers and the rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits. He said focus should be given on the capital investment in J&K, Industrial boost, employment and revenue generation.
MLA, Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, while participating in the budget discussion, said that all members of the House should extend their support to the budget in the larger interest of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that the government is committed to taking the people along on the path of development and progress.
MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz said that the government should remain committed to the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Vikram Randhawa highlighted the issues faced by the local transporters while participating in the discussion on the budget, saying that the budget should have been more people-friendly and responsive to grassroots concerns.
Participating in the debate, MLA Javaid Iqbal Choudhary demanded special attention towards the education of girls in his constituency. He raised the issue of tribal empowerment, the establishment of an industrial corridor, tourism development, and health infrastructure. He asserted that there is an urgent need to create permanent jobs and do away with the practice of outsourcing.
MLA Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir, while speaking during the budget discussion, said that there are ample challenges, but the budget presented is people-friendly and seeks to address the needs of all sections of society despite limited resources.
MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey said that the House should devote more time to discussing issues affecting the people and work collectively to find solutions.
Choudhary Mohammad Akram said that people are watching the proceedings and we should make judicious use of time. He said that Omar Abdullah is a dynamic Chief Minister who takes care of all sections of society, emphasising inclusive governance without indulging in divisive or sectarian politics.
MLA Hilal Akbar Lone while speaking stated that the budget has addressed all key sections, including daily wagers, filling of government vacancies, provision of free gas cylinders to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families among other things.
MLA Yudhvir sethi said that the central Government has been more than generous in providing funds to UT of Jammu and Kashmir for development works and other related activities, contributing to its overall progress.
