J&K Budget Session 2026: Sakeena Itoo Outlines Progress on Anganwadi Centers, Education Reforms, and Metro Projects
JAMMU, MARCH 31: During the ongoing Budget Session 2026, Minister for Social Welfare and Education Sakeena Itoo provided comprehensive updates on key developmental sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, the Minister revealed that 1190 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are currently functional across Srinagar district, with 152 centers specifically serving the Central Shalteng Constituency. In response to queries regarding the establishment of new centers, she clarified that while current facilities adequately meet local needs, any new proposals fulfilling national criteria would be evaluated for submission to the Government of India.
Furthermore, she addressed the welfare of Anganwadi workers, noting that their honorarium follows a 90:10 central-state sharing pattern and that the J&K Government is providing an additional state share, with plans to advocate for further enhancements at the central level.Regarding the academic landscape, Minister Itoo emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting J&K’s educational ecosystem through the phased introduction of vocational and skill-based trades in High and Higher Secondary Schools.
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the curriculum now includes 15 different vocational trades alongside dedicated subjects like Computer Science and Information Practices. The Minister also shared that the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a formal discipline is under active consideration. To prepare students for 21st-century challenges, the revised curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, digital literacy, and experiential learning, supported by specialized training for teachers to integrate these competencies into classroom practices.
In a significant update on urban infrastructure, Sakeena Itoo, representing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, informed the House that proposals for Metrolite and Light Metro projects for Jammu and Srinagar are currently under review by the Government of India.
For Jammu, a 23 km urban corridor from Bantalab to Bari Brahmana featuring 22 stations has been proposed, with a projected daily ridership of 2.84 lakh by 2035. Similarly, detailed engineering and feasibility studies have been finalized for Srinagar and submitted for central appraisal.
While the current focus remains on these primary urban corridors, any future expansion, such as a link to Akhnoor, will remain subject to future feasibility assessments and federal approvals.The Minister also detailed the extensive reach of social welfare schemes, noting that 6756 beneficiaries in the Central Shalteng constituency alone are covered under various pension programs.
Highlighting recent enhancements to the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS), she apprised the legislators that monthly pension rates have been structured by age: beneficiaries below 60 years receive 1250, those between 60–79 years receive 1500, and those aged 80 and above are provided 2000 per month.
This systematic support aims to provide a robust safety net for the elderly and vulnerable populations across the Union Territory.