Pre-Budget Consultations: CM Omar Abdullah interacted with Jammu Public Representatives
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired pre-budget consultations today with public representatives from Jammu district at the Civil Secretariat, marking a significant step towards inclusive governance.
The meeting was attended by Minister Satish Sharma, Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Jammu district, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, and Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya. Several MLAs also joined the session virtually via video conferencing.
In his address, CM Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of engaging with public representatives to ensure the upcoming budget reflects the aspirations and needs of the people. “We could have drafted the budget in our offices, but we are consulting elected representatives to ensure the people’s voices are heard,” he stated.
Key Issues Discussed:
- Infrastructure and Urban Development:
- Representatives emphasized the need for modernized drainage systems to address waterlogging and sanitation challenges in urban and semi-urban areas.
- Proposals for new educational institutions and improvements in healthcare facilities were also highlighted.
- Combating Drug Abuse:
- Concerns over the rising trend of drug abuse led to calls for de-addiction centers, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement measures.
- Sports and Youth Development:
- There were demands to develop sports infrastructure, including stadiums, playgrounds, and training centers to promote youth engagement and provide recreational opportunities.
- Tourism Promotion:
- Representatives suggested promoting local tourist attractions, enhancing amenities, and creating new tourism circuits to boost the local economy.
- Water and Flood Protection:
- Special attention was given to groundwater conservation, flood protection measures, and strengthening the Jal Shakti department to combat water scarcity.
Commitment to Inclusive Governance:
The public representatives expressed gratitude to CM Omar Abdullah for initiating the pre-budget consultations, describing it as the first time they had been actively involved in the budget-making process. They voiced optimism that their concerns would be incorporated into the final budget.
Earlier in the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu presented a detailed sector-wise proposal based on inputs from MLAs, covering rural and urban development, public works, irrigation, healthcare, education, and social welfare.
The consultations reflect the government’s commitment to transparent governance and ensuring that developmental priorities align with the people’s needs.
