Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented the state’s first elected government budget in seven years on Friday, emphasizing the region’s path to lasting peace and sustainable development. The budget prioritizes youth empowerment, women’s welfare, regional balance, and the restoration of statehood while maintaining financial discipline.
Key Budget Highlights:
Economic Growth & Agriculture: ₹815 crore allocated to agriculture, targeting 2.88 lakh jobs, promoting a two-crop pattern, and boosting horticulture, wool processing, and leather tanning.
Tourism Boost: ₹390.20 crore dedicated to tourism, aiming to attract 2.36 crore tourists in 2024. Plans include promoting homestays, water sports, and winter sports in Sonmarg. New developments include a water park in Sidhra and an adventure hub in Basholi.
Industrial Expansion: Plans to establish 64 new industrial estates, introduce price preferences for traders, and promote local crafts like Pashmina, with seven more products set for GI tagging.
Healthcare Overhaul: Two new AIIMS, 10 nursing colleges, and expanded dialysis services for district hospitals. Every citizen will receive ₹5 lakh health insurance, and telemedicine services will be integrated across the state.
Infrastructure & Governance: 500 new Panchayat Ghars to strengthen local governance. A new film policy aims to position J&K as a prime film production and eco-tourism hub.
While 70% of the budget is allocated to salaries, Abdullah reassured financial discipline, keeping borrowing within prescribed limits. Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Minister, he emphasized that J&K is now on a path of lasting peace and economic resurgence.