JAMMU January 21, 2026:- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the Finance Minister, continued his intensive pre-budget deliberations for the second consecutive day, meeting with several key departments to finalize priorities for the upcoming Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly Budget Session, which begins on February 2.
The discussions today focused on a wide array of critical sectors, including Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, School and Higher Education, Public Works (R&B), Mining, Industries & Commerce, and Labour.
Attended by Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister Sakina Itoo, and top bureaucrats including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the meetings served as a platform to assess sectoral needs, ongoing project progress, and the development imperatives required to drive the Union Territory’s economy forward.
During the sessions, the Chief Minister emphasized a shift toward “outcome-oriented budgeting,” directing departments to move away from mere fund allocation to ensuring tangible benefits for the public.
He underlined that the upcoming budget must prioritize the strengthening of healthcare and education infrastructure, the expansion of social security nets, and the enhancement of road connectivity to facilitate industrial growth and youth employment.
Stressing the importance of fiscal discipline and transparency, the Chief Minister instructed Administrative Secretaries to submit well-structured, need-based proposals that align with the government’s broader roadmap for inclusive and balanced regional development.
The consultative process, which began yesterday with nine other departments, is set to conclude on January 22. These high-level meetings are designed to ensure that the final budget is growth-oriented and reflects the genuine aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
By focusing on efficient service delivery and the timely completion of projects, the administration aims to present a comprehensive fiscal plan that fosters sustainable economic progress and addresses the long-term challenges faced by various sectors across the region.
