Bilal Bashir Bhat
Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed departmental grants worth several lakh crore rupees following a two day debate, alongside 19 supplementary grants amounting to ₹3,52,341.28 lakh.
The approved allocations cover key departments under the Chief Minister, including Power Development, Finance, Housing and Urban Development, Tourism, Revenue, Disaster Management, General Administration, Planning and Information.
Replying to the discussion, the Chief Minister thanked 43 members who participated in the debate and described the exchange as constructive. He noted that over 500 cut motions were moved and responded to, terming it a reflection of active legislative engagement.
Regularisation of Daily Wagers
Addressing concerns over Daily Rated Workers, Temporary and Ad Hoc employees, Abdullah acknowledged that successive governments had failed to resolve their long pending issues. He informed the House that a committee under the Chief Secretary has been constituted to frame a legally and financially viable roadmap for regularisation.
He said the process would begin in phases once the framework is finalised, stressing that the government would avoid announcing measures that could face legal or financial hurdles.
Recruitment and Vacancies
On employment, the Chief Minister stated that nearly 6,000 to 6,500 posts have already been filled. He reiterated the government’s target to fill around 30,000 vacant posts this year through transparent recruitment in coordination with the Service Selection Board and Public Service Commission. Outsourcing engagements, he said, are supplementary livelihood avenues though not classified as formal government jobs.
Fiscal Stress and Reforms
Highlighting financial constraints, Abdullah said only 25 percent of J and K’s expenditure is met through its own tax and non tax revenue, while the rest comes from central assistance. He called the situation inherited and emphasised efforts toward fiscal discipline and self reliance.
He said off budget borrowings have been ended and all liabilities are now formally recorded. Referring to centrally sponsored schemes, he noted that the requirement of separate RBI linked accounts and matching UT share has limited flexibility but expected smoother implementation next year.
Power and Infrastructure Push
Calling the power sector both a challenge and an opportunity, the Chief Minister said J and K has an estimated 18,000 MW hydropower potential but currently generates only around 3,000 to 3,500 MW. He outlined plans to add another 3,000 to 3,500 MW in the next few years, with long term development of the remaining potential over the next decade.
He also ruled out privatisation of distribution companies and committed to full implementation of infrastructure improvement schemes.
Tourism Revival
Describing tourism as a critical economic driver, Abdullah said the sector has rebounded despite setbacks following the Pahalgam incident. Hotels in Gulmarg and Sonamarg are reporting high occupancy, and efforts are underway to reopen remaining destinations by May.
He also proposed expanding tourism infrastructure in Jammu, which receives over one crore pilgrims annually for Mata Vaishnodevi, suggesting that longer tourist retention could significantly boost the regional economy.
Housing, Climate and Urban Reforms
The Chief Minister announced plans to launch major vertical housing projects in Jammu and Srinagar, with priority for Economically Weaker Sections. He assured action against large scale encroachers and land grabbers.
On climate change, he said mitigation planning has become imperative after last year’s extreme weather events, and a dedicated fund has been prepared to support adaptation measures.
Transparency in Media and CDF
Abdullah pledged transparency in government advertisements, stating that allocations would be based on objective criteria such as circulation and reach. He asserted that advertisements would not be used as pressure tools against media outlets.
He also clarified that savings under Constituency Development Funds belong entirely to legislators and will not revert to the treasury.
Following the Chief Minister’s reply and assurances, members withdrew their cut motions, and the House passed the grants, marking a significant legislative milestone early in the financial year.
