Jammu, January 21, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday underlined the importance of fiscal discipline and directed all departments to submit well-structured, need-based proposals aligned with the government’s overall development roadmap.
For the second consecutive day, the Chief Minister held detailed pre-budget consultations with key departments to assess sectoral priorities, development requirements and resource allocation ahead of the forthcoming budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on February 2.
Holding the finance portfolio himself, Abdullah chaired extensive deliberations with the departments of Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, Public Works (R&B), Mining, Industries and Commerce, and Labour.
He stressed that departmental proposals must be realistic, outcome-oriented and focused on timely project completion, transparency and efficient service delivery.
“The budget should reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, with emphasis on inclusive growth, balanced regional development and sustainable economic progress,” the Chief Minister said.
During the meetings, Abdullah reviewed the status of ongoing projects, budget utilisation and future sector-wise requirements. He directed departments to adopt a people-centric and performance-driven approach, ensuring public funds are channelled towards priority sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives.
He highlighted healthcare, education, social security, road connectivity, industrial development and employment generation for youth as key focus areas of the upcoming budget.
The Chief Minister had initiated pre-budget discussions with nine departments on Tuesday. The consultative process will conclude on Thursday with meetings involving the remaining departments, an official spokesperson said.
The exercise aims to finalise a comprehensive, growth-oriented and people-friendly budget for the Union Territory, the spokesperson added.
