As part of the ongoing exercise for formulation of a people-friendly and development-oriented budget, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a pre-budget consultation meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly from Jammu and Samba districts, here.
Discussions were held on sector-wise priorities, district-specific developmental needs and policy interventions aimed at balanced and inclusive growth. The consultation was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, who also represents the Chamb Assembly constituency.
Members of the Legislative Assembly present in the meeting included Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal (Ramgarh), Surjeet Singh Slathia (Samba), Rajeev Kumar (Bishnah), Gharu Ram Bhagat (Suchetgarh), Vikram Randhawa (Bahu), Yudhvir Sethi (Jammu East), Devyani Rana (Nagrota), Arvind Gupta (Jammu West), Sham Lal Sharma (Jammu North) and Mohan Lal (Akhnoor).
The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretaries of Power Development Department and Public Works Department, Principal Secretary Finance, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Secretary Tribal Affairs, Secretary Rural Development, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Samba districts, Director General Budget, senior officers of the Finance Department and heads of key departments. The out-station officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Addressing the legislators, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the pre-budget consultations are part of a continuous and evolving process aimed at ensuring meaningful participation of elected representatives in shaping government priorities.
“I have reviewed the discussions held over the last few days. If we look at it from one side, this has been a continuous process. The good thing is that most of the issues raised were not repeated,” the Chief Minister said.
He emphasised that the purpose of these meetings is consultation rather than formal responses. “The objective here is to listen to you, understand your views and thoughts, and then translate them into policy and action,” he said.
The Chief Minister explained that constituency-specific issues would be addressed during the budget discussions in the Assembly when departments present their grants.
Referring to the funding received from the Government of India in the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Jammu and Kashmir in August last year, the Chief Minister stressed ensuring complete transparency and accountability in utilisation.
“The flood relief amount of ₹1,430 crore received from the Government of India will not be distributed constituency-wise. Its distribution will be strictly based on the extent of damage and sectoral requirements,” he said.
Earlier, the MLAs highlighted a range of issues requiring priority attention in the forthcoming budget, including road infrastructure, health and education facilities, sports infrastructure, drinking water supply, tourism development, healthcare staffing and establishment of new colleges and schools.
The Chief Minister assured that all genuine concerns and constructive suggestions would be duly examined and reflected in the upcoming budget to ensure inclusive and regionally balanced development across Jammu and Kashmir.
