JAMMU, FEBRUARY 10, 2026 — The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today successfully concluded a comprehensive discussion on the Budget 2026-27, with lawmakers from across the political spectrum deliberating on developmental priorities, fiscal responsibility, and sector-specific challenges.
The session was marked by a blend of support for the government’s financial roadmap and critical calls for more robust policies regarding employment and infrastructure.
Supporters hailed the budget as a pragmatic document focused on capital investment and inclusivity, while the Opposition urged the government to prioritize the regularization of daily wagers and the rehabilitation of terror-victim families.
Focus on Economic Growth and Employment Throughout the concluding day, the debate centered heavily on the economic future of the Union Territory. Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, emphasized that the budget must serve as a roadmap for immediate public relief, specifically demanding a concrete job policy for unemployed youth.
While some legislators expressed concern over a perceived reliance on job outsourcing, others, like Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, defended the allocations, stating that the budget prioritizes long-term capital growth over short-term populism.
The sentiment was echoed by several members who noted that the budget was formulated through extensive consultations with stakeholders to ensure balanced development between urban and rural sectors.
Infrastructure and Regional Development :-Infrastructure gaps and the sustainable use of natural resources were also at the forefront of the discussion. Legislators highlighted the need for upgraded healthcare and education facilities to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Specific regional concerns were raised, ranging from the dredging of Wular Lake to mitigate flood risks to the expedited completion of the GMC Handwara.
There was a collective call to boost the regional economy by opening new tourist destinations and enhancing pilgrimage tourism potential in both the Jammu and Kashmir provinces.
Commitment to Social Welfare:-The session ended on a note of “hope, intent, and delivery,” as described by MLA Tariq Hameed Karra. Members noted positive indicators in the electricity and agricultural sectors while urging the government to fulfill promises made to Anganwadi workers, vocational teachers, and casual laborers.
As the discussion drew to a close, the consensus remained that the true test of Budget 2026-27 will lie in its execution and the government’s ability to translate these fiscal allocations into tangible improvements for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
