J&K Budget Session 2026: Health Minister Vows War on Drugs; Major Infrastructure Pushes for Irrigation and Healthcare Revealed
JAMMU, MARCH 28, 2026: During a productive Question Hour in the ongoing Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, the Jammu and Kashmir Government reaffirmed its multi-front commitment to social welfare, rural productivity, and healthcare accessibility.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, declared a zero-tolerance policy toward the drug menace, highlighting that the administration is prioritizing the reduction of drug abuse incidence through the Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative.
Reporting on progress in Rajouri, the Minister noted that two dedicated centers have already treated 558 patients. To bolster this effort across the UT, the department has deployed counselors in every village to train community leaders and religious heads, while strictly monitoring NGO-run centers to ensure compliance with rehabilitation standards.
On the agricultural front, Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, provided a robust defense of the irrigation network in the Khansahib Constituency. He detailed a three-year investment plan (2023–2026) totaling over ₹1.48 crore, which has successfully modernized vital channels like the Zani and Lani canals.
Highlighting the completion of major projects under NABARD and PMKSY funding—including the Kenz Khul and Lad-Shanger Canal—the Minister assured farmers of a steady water supply and enhanced flood resilience. Simultaneously, the government addressed land rights, noting that the sensitive issue of land alienation under Order S-432 of 1966 is currently under high-level examination to ensure legal clarity for cultivators.
Healthcare infrastructure also took center stage as Minister Itoo outlined the strengthening of 24 health facilities in the Srigufwara-Bijbehara Constituency under IPHS-2022 norms. Addressing staff shortages, she announced that 480 Medical Officer posts have been referred to the J&K Public Service Commission, with another 802 para-medical positions in the pipeline for recruitment.
Specifically, the State-of-the-Art Trauma Hospital at Bijbehara is being fast-tracked for full operational capacity. By integrating e-Sanjeevani telemedicine services and rationalizing existing staff, the government aims to bridge critical gaps and ensure quality medical care reaches the most remote areas of the Union Territory.