J&K Budget Session Begins Amid Hopes for Economic Revival and Jobs

Addressing the Assembly, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha underscored the session's significance, noting that it reflects the State's vision.

"... This session holds special significance as it offers an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey, review our achievements, chart a clear roadmap for the future, and reaffirm our shared commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir...," he said in the Assembly.

Ahead of the budget, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra expressed his hopes for the budget. He expected the funds from the central government allocated to the state to be reflected.

"As the Chief Minister mentioned that we are getting significant funds from the central government, we hope that this will be reflected in today's budget...," Karra told mediapersons..

Earlier, PDP Spokesperson Zuhaib Mir asserted that the figures in the current budget for J&K remain almost identical to previous years.

He further claimed that J&K is the only state in the country where the most educated young people are facing unemployment, and expressed disappointment that the Union Territory has not received a special economic package.

"The last time the budget given for J&K, the figures are almost the same. We saw that from last time till now, we have at this time, after Bhaisaran, there was a need for a special package from the Central Government. Tourism is completely shut down. Young people are unemployed. J&K is the only state in the country where the most educated young people are unemployed. The highest proportion of unemployed and educated young people is in J&K," he said.

"After that, when people from all over the country go to Pashmina with small shawls and handicrafts, they are beaten up and beaten up in the name of Jai Shri Ram and Vande Mataram. And in the name of being a Muslim in the name of being a Kashmiri Muslim. So, our expectation was that for all these pains, we will get a proper economic package. Unfortunately, we did not get it," Mir told ANI.

The PDP spokesperson expressed hope that the upcoming J&K government budget would see Chief Minister Omar Abdullah implement the promises made in his election manifesto.

The discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the LG's Address is scheduled for February 3, 4, and 5.

The budget of the J&K Union Territory for 2026-27 will be presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on February 6. Subsequently, there will be a discussion on the budget, and demands for grants will be presented by different departments.

It will conclude on February 5 with the Chief Minister's reply.

- ANI