Promises business-friendly ecosystem, phased roadmap on daily wagers, focus on agriculture, youth, healthcare and rural prosperity; Says Budget lays focus on horticulture insurance, modern farming and rural sanitation; introduces digital education reforms, youth employment measures, and strengthens healthcare through hospital expansion, cancer control strategy and improved border medical infrastructure
Jammu, Feb 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presented the Budget for the financial year 2026–2027 in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, asserting that his government is firmly committed to transforming the Union Territory into a modern, progressive and economically vibrant region.
Presenting the Budget, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), Omar Abdullah said the government is building a business-friendly ecosystem that encourages innovation and investment. “Our aim is to turn Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of enterprise and ideas, with inclusive growth and long-term economic stability at the core of our vision,” he told the House.
The Chief Minister said the J&K government is actively engaging with the Central Government to address fiscal challenges. “We are continuously working with the Centre to resolve financial issues and ensure sustained and balanced development of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Highlighting steps to strengthen the education sector, Omar Abdullah said that 594 lecturer posts have been referred to recruitment agencies to address the shortage of teachers. He said timely appointments would help improve academic standards and reinforce the education system across the Union Territory.
On the long-pending issue of regularisation of daily wagers and other temporary workers, the Chief Minister informed the Assembly that a high-level committee was constituted last year to examine legal and financial aspects. “I assure this House that my government is committed to a just and humane resolution. Based on the committee’s recommendations, a phased roadmap for regularisation will be announced,” he said, a move expected to impact thousands of workers.
Outlining major initiatives under Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, Omar Abdullah announced crop insurance coverage for key horticulture produce including apple, saffron, mango and litchi. He said the government will expand Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities and support value-chain infrastructure in under-served districts. The Budget also promotes modern farming through micro and sprinkler irrigation, cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, and establishment of Embryo Transfer Technology laboratories in every district to improve livestock genetics. A strong push towards achieving ODF-Plus status with sustainable rural sanitation infrastructure was also announced.
Under Education and Youth Empowerment, the Chief Minister said JK e-Pathshala DTH channels will be launched for Classes 1 to 12, enabling digital learning without internet connectivity. He announced the upgradation of Anganwadi centres into modern Bal Vidyalayas, introduction of indoor sports facilities in all government schools, and priority hiring of local youth in industries availing government concessions to strengthen local employment.
In the Healthcare and Wellness sector, Omar Abdullah announced the expansion of Lal Ded Hospital with IVF and NICU facilities, and establishment of a new Mother and Child Hospital at GMC Anantnag. He said Cath Labs will be set up in Rajouri, Baramulla and Doda, while Emergency Hospitals will come up in Uri and Poonch. A J&K-wide Cancer Control Strategy will be launched in partnership with NITI Aayog and ICMR, along with deployment of bullet-proof ambulances in border districts to strengthen emergency response.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the contribution of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, calling them the backbone of public health and early childhood care, and assured timely release of their honorariums. He further announced an enhancement in the honorarium for vocational instructors, reiterating the government’s focus on worker welfare and social security. (KNC)
