JAMMU, February 11, 2026 — In a landmark session of the Legislative Assembly, grants totaling over Rs. 28,25,000 Lakh were passed via voice vote for key developmental sectors, including School Education, Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Higher Education. Minister Sakeena Itoo, while winding up the day-long discussion, hailed the Budget 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as a “historical and compassionate” roadmap. She emphasized that the allocations reflect a steadfast commitment to human development and inclusive growth, noting that despite financial constraints, the government has prioritized the foundation of the nation by investing heavily in service delivery and infrastructure.
Transforming the Educational Landscape
The School Education department received a significant grant of Rs. 12,98,872.13 Lakh. Minister Itoo highlighted the restoration of the academic session from March back to November as a pivotal reform that has already yielded record-breaking pass percentages in Class 10th and 12th. Key highlights for the sector include:
- Infrastructure: Approval of 2,356 projects, including over 1,200 new classrooms under Capex and Samagra Shiksha.
- Technology & Innovation: Plans to establish 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs, 2,733 Smart Classrooms, and 289 Virtual Reality Labs.
- Digital Learning: Expansion of the ‘JK e-Patshala’ DTH service to a “One Class-One Channel” model.
- Human Resources: Regularization of 2,894 CPWs and the referral of 594 Lecturer and 770 Non-Teaching posts to recruitment agencies.
Revitalizing Healthcare and Social Security
With a grant of Rs. 8,65,476.57 Lakh, the Health sector is poised for a massive overhaul. The Minister announced that 3,200 additional hospital beds would be added within two years. Strategic upgrades include the establishment of Emergency Medicine Departments in all Medical Colleges and the rollout of a comprehensive Cancer Control Strategy in collaboration with NITI Aayog. On the Social Welfare front, the government has enhanced pensions for over 10 lakh citizens and increased marriage assistance for AAY families to Rs. 75,000. Additionally, 1,000 Anganwadi Centres are slated for conversion into tech-enabled “Bal Vidyalas” to strengthen early childhood education.
Advancing Higher Education and Infrastructure
The Assembly also approved Rs. 2,15,016.37 Lakh for Higher Education, focusing on completing the 50 new Degree Colleges sanctioned earlier. Infrastructure will be further bolstered by 18 new projects under PM-USHA, worth Rs. 155 Cr, aimed at upgrading universities and constructing girls’ hostels. Following the Minister’s detailed response to constituency-specific issues raised by 28 legislators, several members withdrew their “Cut Motions,” signaling a unified legislative push toward the implementation of these ambitious developmental goals.
