Jammu, February 2, 2026 : The Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly began on Monday, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha describing the session as highly significant for reviewing achievements and charting a clear roadmap for the future of the Union Territory.
The 27-day-long session, spread over nearly three months with double sittings, commenced with the LG’s address to the House. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the UT Budget for 2026–27 on February 6.
Addressing the Assembly, LG Sinha said the session provides an opportunity to reflect on the collective democratic journey and reaffirm the government’s commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This session holds special significance as it allows us to review our achievements and chart a clear roadmap for the future,” he said.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather sought cooperation from all members to ensure smooth functioning of the House, stating that all preparations have been completed and the session will run with double sittings to ensure effective utilisation of time.
Leaders across party lines shared their views on the session. Congress legislator Tariq Hameed Karra said it offers a vital platform to raise public issues, while BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said the Assembly provides an opportunity to question the government on the implementation of budgetary provisions and poll promises.
This will be the second budget session of the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government since assuming office on October 16, 2024, ending nearly six years of central rule.
The session will conclude on April 4 and will be held in three phases—one before the start of Ramzan and two after Eid-ul-Fitr in March and April. February will have 18 working days, during which the budget for FY 2026–27 and the Supplementary Statement of Expenditure for 2025–26 will be presented. March and April will have five and four sittings respectively.
Opposition parties including the BJP, PDP and Congress are expected to aggressively question the government on issues such as regularisation of daily wagers, demolition drives, alleged discrimination, and implementation of last year’s budget promises, setting the stage for intense debates during the session.
