JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his Government’s firm commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Budget 2026–27 lays a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, social welfare and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister was replying to the discussion on the Budget 2026–27, presented by him for the second consecutive year in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on February 6, 2026
He said the Government is focused on creating employment opportunities, strengthening core infrastructure, improving public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Regularisation of daily rated workers: On the issue of regularization of daily wage workers, CM Omar Abdullah said “God willing, we will initiate regularization of daily wagers this year, and we will continue to support them,” he said.
Opposition frustrated over pro-people Budget: The Chief Minister said the opposition is unable to digest the pro-people nature of the Budget. “Opposition is frustrated because we have presented a good and people-centric Budget for Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
He recalled that SRO-based employment support for militancy-hit families was initiated in 1996 under former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, benefiting thousands.
CM thanks members for valuable suggestions: Responding to the three-day-long debate, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Leader of the House, expressed gratitude to all legislators who participated in the discussion.
“For the last three days, I have been standing here to respond to the debate about the Budget. I thank all the honourable MLAs who took part. They gave valuable suggestions and we will try to implement many of them in the future,” he said.
He noted that the Budget was widely discussed not only inside the House but also outside, and that people have largely responded positively.
“Generally, people were satisfied with the Budget. They understand that it is not easy to propel Jammu and Kashmir forward in these circumstances, but through this Budget, a roadmap has been laid out to take J&K out of the present challenges,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister underlined that the Government’s foremost responsibility is towards the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.
“The first responsibility of every government is to help the weakest and the poorest. Through this Budget, we have tried to provide comfort to those who need it the most,” he said.
Rejecting criticism over not announcing certain populist measures, he stated firmly that the Government’s priority remains social justice and targeted welfare.
Clarifying a major welfare promise, CM Omar Abdullah announced that the Government will provide free LPG cylinders from its own budgetary resources, without depending on any central scheme.
“I want to put it on record that we will give these cylinders with our own money and resources. We do not need to take money from the central government for this,” he said.
Responding to allegations that the Budget contains only centrally-sponsored schemes, the Chief Minister highlighted several unique initiatives funded directly through the J&K Budget.
He announced monthly assistance for orphans and vulnerable families:
“We have said that those who have lost both parents, or who have lost the sole breadwinner, will be declared orphans. If they are not covered under any other scheme, they will receive Rs 4,000 per month,” he said.
Similarly, scholarships for tribal children and poor students have been introduced where no other coverage exists.
He also recalled the success of free bus ridership for women announced last year.
“This was not a Government of India scheme. We introduced it through our own Budget, and it has been very successful,” he said.
This year, the Government has extended free ridership relief to persons with disabilities.
EV Buses and balanced economic growth
The Chief Minister also spoke about expanding environmentally-friendly EV bus service while ensuring balanced growth for other transport sectors.
“If we can make EV buses reach more areas, autos and taxis will also run. By closing one thing, we cannot increase the economy,” he said.
Refuting claims that the Budget is shrinking, CM Omar Abdullah clarified expenditure figures and said misleading comparisons were being drawn.
“It is wrong to say we have spent only 12 per cent. If we look only at capital expenditure, it has reached 36 per cent, and by March 31 we will bring it close to last year’s level,” he informed.
He explained that last year’s revenue expenditure was higher due to settlement of expensive loans, which is not the case this year.
“To say that we are shrinking our economy is not true at all. We have put our money where it is most needed,” he asserted.
Emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir lives in its villages, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Budget gives special attention to strengthening the rural economy.
“As long as village areas do not develop, J&K will not develop,” he said.
He listed key thrust areas including agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy development.
The Chief Minister announced a new dairy scheme aimed at increasing milk production by one lakh litres.
“The central government has praised this initiative and even wants to support us further through the National Dairy Development Board,” he said.
He also spoke about improving livestock quality, backyard poultry, and enhancing productivity.
In horticulture, he highlighted the introduction of weather-based crop insurance for the first time.
“If there is nothing in our Budget, then why did this not happen before?” he asked.
Concerns over Indo-US Trade Deal impacting J&K Horticulture: During his address, CM Omar Abdullah raised serious concerns over provisions of the Indo-US trade deal, stating it could adversely impact Jammu and Kashmir’s dry fruit and horticulture economy.
“Tree nuts—walnuts and almonds—are the origin of Jammu and Kashmir. Allowing them duty-free imports raises questions about sympathy for our farmers,” he said.
He added that even apples should have been protected.
SASCI Scheme: Interest-free support for 50 years: On the SASCI scheme, the Chief Minister said it provides Jammu and Kashmir access to interest-free financial support for the next 50 years, calling it a responsible fiscal measure.
“The value of money after 50 years can be imagined. This is a significant relief,” he said.
He cited figures from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to explain how states have benefited under the scheme.
Mission YUVA: Empowering youth through entrepreneurship and employment