Srinagar, Mar 07: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s budget for 2024-25, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday has sparked reactions from political leaders across the union territory. While the ruling National Conference (NC) and its allies have hailed the budget as a progressive and welfare-oriented roadmap, opposition parties have dismissed it as a “betrayal of public trust” and a “repackaging of central schemes”.
The budget, totalling Rs 1.12 lakh crores, aims to address the needs of the poorest citizens, women and vulnerable groups while encouraging growth in sectors like agriculture and tourism.
Furthers Omar govt’s focus on welfarism, progress: NC
National Conference (NC) praised the budget, saying the government is committed to relief and transparency in welfare measures.
In a statement issued here, NC Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir commended Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying the budget reflects a comprehensive roadmap towards prosperity for all sectors of society.
“This budget is not merely a financial document, but a comprehensive roadmap towards a new era of prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the hopes and dreams of our people. It includes a range of initiatives, from providing free electricity to the most vulnerable to enhancing mobility options for women and strengthening press freedom. One standout announcement is the introduction of free ridership on government-owned public transport, including eBuses, for all women in J&K starting April 1. This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant step forward for the region,” he said.
Mir said the budget also stresses the importance of press freedom and journalist safety. “Press freedom is a top priority, as reflected in the budget. The chief minister has reiterated his dedication to upholding press freedom and ensuring that journalists can work in a safe and transparent setting,” he said, adding, “Plans to revive and support the Press Club in Jammu and Srinagar have been announced, providing a dedicated space for journalists to engage, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.”
Covers all sectors in J&K: Farooq Abdullah
National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah welcomed the budget, highlighting its comprehensive nature across various sectors, including education, health and tourism. He said the budget aims to address the needs of both Jammu and Kashmir regions and brings much-needed relief to those below the poverty line.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah said the budget has taken into account both Kashmir and Jammu regions, ensuring that no sector is left behind. “It includes provisions for those below the poverty line, bringing relief to people,” he said. “The budget was very good. It has covered everything—education, health, tourism—every sector has been considered. No one has been left out.”
Expressing optimism, the NC Chief hoped that the budget would contribute to the progress of Jammu and Kashmir. “We hope that people will be relieved from this budget and that J&K will move forward,” he added.
‘Pro-People’: Congress chief Tariq Karra
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Karra termed the budget as “pro-people”, particularly praising its social sector focus.
Speaking to the media, Karra said the budget contains many positive elements, especially in addressing social welfare concerns. “The budget is a pro-people budget. It has a lot of positivity in it. The biggest thing we have seen is its focus on social sectors,” he said.
However, he also pointed out the need for further study to analyse the details of the allocations and their implementation. “We have heard about it, and now we will study it,” he added.
On the issue of electricity subsidies, the J&K Congress Chief clarified that the provision of 200 free units was intended for the poorest families and not for all, as some had assumed. “There was no such promise to give it to everyone. The manifesto had provisions specifically for poor families,” he said.
Overall, the budget appeared positive, Karra said. He expressed hope that its implementation would benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress’s Mir heaps praise
Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir praised the J&K budget for its “overall development and welfare”, saying there could not have been a better budget at present.
“This is a positive budget which is focused on overall development and welfare. In the current situation, there could not have been a better budget than this,” Mir said while speaking to the reporters.
Mir said the government is focused on empowering youth and women while allocating significant funds toward agriculture, tourism, and local industries that could generate sustainable jobs and revive economic activity in the state.
‘Another love letter to BJP’: Sajad Lone
People’s Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Lone, who is also MLA Handwara, criticised the budget, calling it “a disappointing rehash of previous initiatives” that does not address the pressing needs of Jammu and Kashmir’s populace.
“The budget speech was, as expected, a disappointment—same old style of parroting of Centrally Sponsored Schemes with Hindi nomenclature,” Lone said.”The budget reflected a significant gap between political rhetoric and economic figures. The presented data contradicted the opposition’s previous stance.”
He added, “It glorified and endorsed the BJP’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ discourse.”
Lone specifically called out the limitations on proposed free electricity, asking how the stringent eligibility criteria exclude the majority of residents. The government has failed to capitalise on the opportunity to impact the lives of average citizens genuinely, he said.
“The promised 200 units of electricity are only for AAY beneficiaries and are linked to the Centrally Sponsored Rooftop Scheme, which has approximately a 65% central share with a cap of 3 kW. Too many strings attached,” he said.
The PC Chief criticised the budget for neglecting key employment sectors, saying it offered nothing for job creation, daily wagers, contractual employees or minimum wages.
Repackaging of central schemes: PDP’s Parra
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislative leader Waheed Ur Rehman Parra expressed his disappointment, denouncing the budget as a mere compilation of central schemes rather than a clear plan addressing local issues.
Many pressing concerns, such as unemployment and poverty alleviation, remained unaddressed, he said. “This budget is nothing but a U-turn from the commitments made in the election manifesto. Instead of prioritising grassroots development, it merely repackages old schemes without any substantial allocations or vision for the future,” he said.
The PDP MLA slammed the government for sidelining the aspirations of the youth, calling the budget a complete letdown. “With an allocation of Rs 1.12 lakh crore, one would expect a clear roadmap for tackling unemployment, economic recovery, and public welfare. Shockingly, the budget does not even mention crucial terms like ‘youth’ or ‘unemployment’ at a time when J&K’s jobless rate stands at a staggering 32%,” he said.
Issues of farmers, daily wagers missing: CPI(M)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary Mohamad Abass Rather acknowledged some positive aspects of the budget but lamented the lack of attention to farmers and daily wage workers who continue to struggle.
While welcoming initiatives like free ration and electricity for select families, he said frequent power cuts and other critical issues remain unresolved. “Nonetheless, the party welcomes provisions such as free ration and free electricity under AAY. But electricity woes continue unabated with frequent power cuts in the region which needs to be addressed,” he said.
The CPI(M) leader voiced his concerns about unemployed youth and casual labourers who were expecting tangible relief. “The pressing issues related to farming and labour need immediate attention,” he said. “After a long wait, the people of J&K have finally elected a government, and it must take responsibility for redressing their grievances.”
Betrayal of promises: MLA Langate
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Langate, Sheikh Khursheed labelled the budget as a betrayal of the population’s trust. The AIP leader accused the government of delivering misleading policies.
Khursheed, as reported by Rising Kashmir reporter Aatif Qayoom, said, “One of the most significant promises during the election campaign was the provision of 200 units of free electricity to all households. However, this promise has turned out to be a deceptive scheme, with strict eligibility criteria that exclude the vast majority of citizens. Only a mere 1.5% of the population, mainly AAY beneficiaries, can avail of this benefit. The requirement to purchase solar panels further burdens already struggling families.”
Another major letdown, according to the MLA, is the government’s abandonment of the promise to provide 12 free LPG cylinders per year. “What was once promised as relief to the poor has now been completely forgotten, leaving families grappling with skyrocketing fuel prices,” he said.
The NC government’s budget, MLA Khursheed said, is an example of economic mismanagement and social injustice. “This budget is a betrayal of the people, a textbook case of broken promises, and a failure to provide relief to those who need it most,” he said.
Budget a ‘bundle of lies’: BJP spokesperson Jasrotia
Jammu & Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia criticised the budget, calling it a “bundle of lies” designed to mislead the people. He accused the J&K government of taking credit for various welfare schemes that are actually initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr Jasrotia said the budget speech is filled with references to central government schemes that have played a crucial role in J&K’s development. “Instead of acknowledging PM Modi’s leadership, the J&K administration is trying to misrepresent these initiatives as its own achievements,” he said.
The BJP spokespersons aid the Economic Survey Report presented by the Chief Minister is based on the success of economic reforms and investments facilitated by the Central government. The decline in unemployment and J&K’s GDP growth, he said, are a result of massive infrastructure projects and industrial investments directly supported by PM Modi, not by any policies of the current J&K government.
Dr Jasrotia criticised the budget for failing to address key issues faced by the people, including the concerns of daily wagers, contractual employees, vocational trainers and unemployed youth. “There is no relief for Rehbar-e-Khel, Rehbar-e-Jaryat, and Rehbar-e-Sehat employees, nor any new job creation measures for the educated youth of J&K,” he said. “The people of J&K will not be misled by false promises.”
Altaf Thakur slams budget as ‘Jumla Bazi’
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Altaf Thakur referred to the budget as “Jumla Bazi” (empty rhetoric), accusing the NC government of deceiving the electorate. He raised questions about the efficacy of free electricity and other subsidies, saying these initiatives have sidelined the majority who do not qualify.
“Where are the 12 free gas cylinders that Omar Abdullah promised? Where is the one lakh job guarantee? Where is the free ration? This budget is a cruel joke on the people of J&K,” Thakur asked.
The BJP leader slammed the government for offering 200 units of free electricity only to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, which he said covers just 1.5% of J&K’s population, instead of extending the benefit to all, as was promised. “This is outright deception. Omar Abdullah came to power by making grand announcements, but his government has failed on every front. The people will not forgive this betrayal,” Thakur said.
PDF’s Yaseen terms budget ‘misleading’
People’s Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen harshly criticised the budget he described as misleading and deceptive. He outlined several shortcomings, including the failure to address widespread economic hardships and the specific needs of various demographic groups.
“The budget has completely neglected the key concerns of the common people. It is unfortunate that the ruling government has chosen to deceive the people of Jammu and Kashmir once again. The budget lacks a holistic approach and fails to provide relief to a significant portion of the population,” Yaseen said.
Criticising the government’s focus on AAY families alone, the PDF Chief added, “Providing relief to only AAY beneficiaries while ignoring the rest of the population is nothing but an attempt to mislead the people. This is a classic case of selective appeasement that does not address the deep-rooted economic distress faced by the majority.”
Yaseen added, “People must not be fooled by grandstanding. We will continue to raise our voice against these misleading policies and fight for a fair and just economic policy that benefits all.”
‘Betrayal of public trust’: AIP
The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) criticised the budget, calling it a “complete U-turn” from the promises made by the National Conference (NC) during the elections.
In a statement, AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi accused the NC government of deceiving the people by failing to fulfill key pledges. “During the elections, they promised 200 units of free electricity for all households. But now, they have limited it to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, that too with the unrealistic condition of installing solar panels. This is nothing but a cruel joke on the economically weaker sections,” he said.
The AIP leader also slammed the government for neglecting thousands of workers awaiting job security. “During elections, the NC promised regularisation of daily wagers, casual labourers, contractual employees, vocational trainers and others. Yet, this budget has absolutely no mention of them. These hardworking individuals, who form the backbone of various departments, have been left in limbo once again,” he said.
Inam also criticised the government’s vague commitment to supporting press clubs in Jammu and Srinagar, questioning the lack of concrete financial allocations. “The NC government claims to revive press clubs, but there’s no clear roadmap. This raises concerns about their commitment to press freedom,” he added.
