Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday emphasised fiscal discipline and directed all departments to submit well-structured, need-based proposals aligned with the government’s development roadmap ahead of the upcoming budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
For the second consecutive day, the chief minister held pre-budget consultations with several key departments to review priorities, sectoral requirements and development imperatives. The budget session of the Assembly is scheduled to begin on February 2.
Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, chaired detailed meetings with the departments of Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, Public Works (Roads and Buildings), Mining, Industries and Commerce, and Labour.
Addressing the meetings, the chief minister underscored the importance of realistic and outcome-oriented budgeting. He stressed that proposals must be grounded in actual needs, ensure optimal use of public funds and adhere to fiscal prudence.
“The budget should reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and focus on inclusive growth, balanced regional development and sustainable economic progress,” Abdullah said, while also calling for transparency, timely project completion and efficient service delivery.
During the deliberations, the chief minister reviewed the progress of ongoing projects, budget utilisation patterns and future financial requirements across sectors. He directed departments to adopt a people-centric and performance-driven approach, with particular emphasis on strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure, expanding social security coverage, improving road connectivity, promoting industrial growth and generating employment opportunities for youth.
The pre-budget consultation process began on Tuesday with nine departments and is scheduled to conclude on Thursday with meetings involving the remaining departments. An official spokesperson said the exercise is aimed at finalising a comprehensive, growth-oriented and people-friendly budget for the Union Territory.
