Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a third pre-budget consultation with stakeholders from the Jammu Division, ahead of the Budget Session likely to begin on February 3.
The meeting focused on shaping a people-centric budget that addresses regional aspirations, strengthens infrastructure, supports livelihoods, and ensures balanced and inclusive growth across Jammu and Kashmir, according to a post from the Chief Minister’s Office.
These ongoing consultations mark the first such structured outreach by the government to promote equitable and sustainable development in both regions.
Earlier, the Chief Minister held similar discussions with stakeholders from the Kashmir Division to help formulate the 2026–27 Budget.
The Chief Minister’s Office on X stated that “The consultation involved representatives from various sectors, including tourism, hospitality, agriculture, education, trade, commerce, industry, horticulture, and academia.”
Omar Abdullah emphasised the need for an inclusive budget that prioritises the welfare of ordinary citizens, promotes equitable development, and eases everyday financial pressures on households.
Earlier, he chaired a cabinet meeting in Jammu with ministers and senior officials, where several key proposals were cleared. These included the Excise Policy for 2026–27, designed to generate additional revenue without opening new vendors; authorisation for the Tourism Department and the Public Works Department to sign an extended MoU with BRO/Project Beacon to complete critical pending works on the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra tracks, including the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle for operation and management; and other administrative matters, such as promotions.
The Budget Session is scheduled to commence on February 2 with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, followed by discussions and the presentation of the Annual Financial Statement on February 6.
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