Jammu, Feb 25: Setting the stage for the upcoming budget presentation on March 7, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a series of pre-budget meetings with several key government departments at the Civil Secretariat here to finalize proposals for the upcoming budget, which is scheduled to be presented on March 7.
The meetings were held to understand the sector wise priorities and to align it with the government’s development agenda.
The meetings would continue in the coming days with other departments also scheduled to brief the Chief Minister.
During the consultations, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for a pragmatic and growth-oriented budget that addresses public aspirations and strengthens key sectors of the economy.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development, transparent governance and efficient utilization of public resources. The discussions delved into both Capital Expenditure (CapEx) and Revenue Expenditure (RevEx), with a focus on optimizing budgetary allocations for infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and service delivery improvements. Chief Minister Abdullah directed the departments to prioritize flagship projects, accelerate ongoing initiatives, and ensure timely implementation of development schemes.
As part of the budget preparation process, the Chief Minister has already held extensive consultations with public representatives from all 20 districts, including DDC chairpersons and MLAs.
Additionally, interactions were conducted with stakeholders from industry, trade and travel, academia, intelligentsia, tourism, sports, agriculture, horticulture, and other sectors. These engagements aim to incorporate diverse perspectives into the budget, ensuring that the government’s financial roadmap is in sync with the needs and aspirations of the people. With today’s consultations covering eight major departments, the pre-budget exercise has been in full swing.
The Chief Minister will continue to hold meetings with other government departments in the coming days to gather inputs and finalize budgetary allocations.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is personally overseeing the process to ensure that the upcoming budget reflects the government’s vision for a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
The budget is scheduled to be presented in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on March 7 during the upcoming Budget Session commencing from March 3.
Speaker LA engages with media in pre-budget session talks
Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today chaired a crucial meeting with the media fraternity to facilitate smooth and efficient coverage of the maiden Budget Session of Omar led government here.
During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on various issues concerning media professionals, focusing on ensuring hassle-free entry to the Legislative Assembly premises and smooth regulation of traffic on roads leading to the Assembly Secretariat and MLA’s Hostel, Jammu.
The Speaker emphasized the importance of taking necessary measures to prevent inconvenience to journalists covering the proceedings.
Senior journalists highlighted key concerns including designating parking spaces, provision of high-speed Wi-Fi for seamless coverage and extension of other logistical support.
Addressing these concerns, the Speaker directed the SSP Security, Civil Secretariat to make appropriate arrangements for media personnel, ensuring parking facilities at the new Assembly Complex and Zanana Park in the vicinity of the LA complex.
Further, the Speaker instructed the senior officers from JAKEGA and the IT Department to provide high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the session, ensuring uninterrupted digital access for media persons. Additionally, he directed the Information Department to coordinate between the press and the Assembly Secretariat to facilitate comprehensive coverage of the proceedings through both print and electronic media.
