JAMMU, February 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed his government’s firm commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Budget 2026–27 lays a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, social welfare and inclusive development across the Union Territory.
Replying to the discussion on the Budget 2026–27, which he presented for the second consecutive year in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on February 6, the Chief Minister said the government remains focused on generating employment opportunities, strengthening core infrastructure, improving public service delivery and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society in a transparent and time-bound manner.
Addressing the issue of regularisation of daily wage workers, Omar Abdullah said the government intends to initiate the process this year. “God willing, we will begin the regularisation of daily wagers this year and continue to support them,” he said.
The Chief Minister also criticised the opposition, stating that it was unable to accept the pro-people nature of the Budget. He remarked that the opposition appeared frustrated as the government had presented a people-centric and development-oriented Budget for Jammu and Kashmir.
Recalling earlier initiatives, the Chief Minister noted that SRO-based employment support for militancy-affected families was introduced in 1996 under former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, benefiting thousands of families across the region.
Expressing gratitude to legislators who participated in the debate, Omar Abdullah thanked members for their constructive suggestions. “For the past three days, I have been responding to the Budget discussion. I thank all honourable MLAs who participated and offered valuable suggestions, many of which we will try to implement in the future,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the government’s foremost responsibility is towards the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society. He said the Budget seeks to provide relief and support to those who need it the most.
Announcing key welfare measures, Omar Abdullah said the government would provide free LPG cylinders from its own budgetary resources without relying on any central scheme. He also announced monthly financial assistance of ₹4,000 for orphans and vulnerable families, including those who have lost both parents or the sole earning member, provided they are not covered under any other scheme.
The government has also introduced scholarships for tribal children and economically weaker students who are not beneficiaries of existing schemes. The Chief Minister highlighted the success of the free bus travel scheme for women introduced last year through the Union Territory’s own budget, describing it as a widely appreciated initiative.
He further announced that the benefit of free bus ridership has now been extended to persons with disabilities as part of this year’s welfare measures.
