SRINAGAR, February 02, 2026: Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly at the start of the Budget Session, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha delivered a comprehensive vision for a resilient and inclusive Union Territory, marking the return to popular governance as a vital milestone for democratic faith. The LG reported an impressive 11% nominal economic growth rate for 2024-25, supported by a digital revolution that saw 82 crore e-transactions and the seamless transfer of ₹9,000 crore to 80 lakh beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Infrastructure took center stage in his address, with a massive ₹61,528 crore investment in roads and tunnels, the historic integration of the Kashmir Valley into the national railway network, and the expansion of Jammu Airport. In a major relief for the underprivileged, the LG announced the provision of 200 free units of electricity to 2.23 lakh AAY families under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, alongside the successful rollout of free public transport for women.
Turning to the economic engines of the region, LG Sinha highlighted the “industry status” granted to tourism, which attracted 1.78 crore visitors in 2025, and the success of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in boosting oilseed and honey production.
The healthcare sector has been bolstered by the operationalization of AIIMS Jammu and new medical colleges, while the “Mission YUVA” initiative aims to transform job seekers into job creators by targeting the generation of 4.5 lakh employment opportunities.
The address also underscored social justice through the Forest Rights Act implementation for tribal communities and a commitment to merit-based recruitment, with over 23,800 new government posts currently being filled. Concluding with a call for unity, the LG emphasized that the administration’s roadmap balances “Economy, Ecology, and Equity” to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir.
