Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Jammu, Feb 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday presented the Budget 2026–27 in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, marking his second Budget as Finance Minister and outlining an expansive, welfare driven roadmap aimed at inclusive growth, social protection and economic revival.
With net budget estimates pegged at ₹1.13 lakh crore, the CM said the Budget seeks to lay durable foundations for economic growth, social harmony and sustainable prosperity, while directly addressing the needs of vulnerable sections across the Union Territory.
Among the headline announcements were six free LPG cylinders annually for all AAY households, full fee waivers for AAY students from Class 9 to graduation, and a monthly ₹4,000 DBT sponsorship for 6,000 orphan children. Major healthcare interventions include establishment of Emergency and Trauma Hospitals at Uri and Poonch, bulletproof ambulances for border districts, expansion of cancer and cardiac care, and strengthening of GMCs across regions.
The Budget also focuses on employment and livelihoods, mandating priority hiring of local youth in industries availing government incentives, scaling up Mission YUVA for entrepreneurship, and promising a phased, lawful solution for regularisation of daily rated workers based on High Level Committee recommendations.
Agriculture and horticulture received a major boost with rollout of crop insurance for apple and other high value crops, expansion of Controlled Atmosphere storage, irrigation subsidies, and new missions for medicinal plants and livestock genetic improvement. Tourism, handicrafts and trade promotion were supported through Unity Mall funding, buyer seller meets and plans for new world class destinations.
The CM highlighted strong fiscal indicators, with GSDP projected at ₹3.15 lakh crore and 9.5 percent growth, alongside reforms in digital financial governance through SPARSH and Aadhaar linked DBT systems.
Concluding, Omar Abdullah said the Budget balances welfare with infrastructure, productivity and institutional reform, aiming to build a more equitable, resilient and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
