Omar Abdullah Presents Maiden Budget for JKUT: Oppostion labelled ‘Complete Failure’

Samba Times Special

Srinagar, March 7, 2025: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented his first budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, unveiling a series of welfare measures and infrastructure projects aimed at fostering economic growth, social progress, and fiscal stability. The budget outlines key initiatives focusing on energy security, social welfare, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment.

Key Welfare Announcements

• 200 Units of Free Electricity for AAY Households
  The government will provide 200 units of free electricity per month to all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, integrated with the PM Suryaghar Bijli Yojana to promote solar energy adoption. A ₹750 crore investment over five years will be allocated to reduce transmission losses and enhance sustainable energy use.
• 10 kg Additional Free Ration for AAY Beneficiaries
  Starting April 1, 2025, all AAY beneficiaries will receive an additional 10 kg of free ration per person per month, ensuring enhanced food security. The government will implement the Smart PDS system for better transparency in the distribution process.
• Free Public Transport for Women
  From April 2025, all women in Jammu and Kashmir will be entitled to free travel on government-owned transport, including e-buses.
• Marriage Assistance for EWS Girls Increased
  The financial assistance for girls from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.
• Pension Scheme Enhancements
  More than 10 lakh vulnerable individuals will benefit from increased pensions under the Integrated Social Assistance Scheme (ISSS) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP):
  • ₹1,250 per month for individuals below 60 years
  • ₹2,000 per month for those aged 80 years and above
• Stamp Duty Exemption for Property Transfers Within Families
  To ease property transactions and inheritance procedures, the government has announced a complete exemption of stamp duty for property transfers within blood relations.

Sectoral Allocations and Development Plans

Power Sector

• ₹2,021.37 crore allocated, an increase of ₹762.80 crore from the previous year.
• Target to achieve self-sufficiency in power by 2027-28 through 7,500 MW hydro projects and smart grid investments.

Agriculture & Allied Sectors

• ₹2,221.58 crore allocated, marking an increase of ₹332.72 crore.
• Focus on the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) with an outlay of ₹5,013 crore until 2027-28.

Infrastructure Development

• ₹4,062.93 crore for Roads & Bridges, with plans to blacktop 4,000 km of roads in 2025-26.
• ₹2,662.71 crore allocated for Irrigation & Water Supply projects.

Health & Education

• ₹1,750.50 crore allocated for healthcare, with plans to launch the SEHAT App for improved access to medical services.
• ₹1,388.97 crore for education, including the establishment of the Jammu & Kashmir Skill & Entrepreneurship University (JKSEU).

Tourism & Industry

• ₹390.20 crore allocated for tourism, with new master plans for Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.
• ₹602.85 crore for the industries sector, with 46 new industrial estates under development.

Youth Empowerment – Mission YUVA

• The Mission YUVA program will aim to create 1.37 lakh enterprises and 4.25 lakh jobs in the next five years through startups and MSME support.

Disaster Management

• A ₹39 crore Disaster Mitigation Fund will be established for flood and landslide protection and climate resilience.

Commitment to Fiscal Discipline

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing revenue collection, reducing fiscal deficits, and promoting long-term economic stability. He described the budget as a “roadmap for a new and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir”, aiming to bridge developmental gaps and uplift vulnerable communities.

Opposition’s Critique:

Despite the government’s optimistic projections, the budget has faced criticism from opposition parties:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP labeled the budget a “complete failure,” arguing that it does not adequately address the pressing issues facing the Union Territory.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP): The PDP highlighted a significant disparity between the promises made by the National Conference (NC) in its election manifesto and the budget’s provisions, suggesting that the budget falls short of fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

Conclusion:

The maiden budget of the JKUT under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sets forth an ambitious agenda aimed at inclusive development, social welfare, and economic growth. While the government’s initiatives reflect a commitment to addressing various sectors, the critiques from opposition parties indicate a need for broader consensus and perhaps a re-evaluation of certain policies to ensure they meet the diverse needs of Jammu and Kashmir’s populace.

Rahul Sambyal ✍️

Executive Editor

Samba Times