Omar Abdullah Presents J&K Budget 2026-27; Business-Friendly, Inclusive Growth Roadmap Outlined – Alfaaz – The Words

Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presented the Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, outlining a broad-based agenda to transform the Union Territory into a modern, progressive and economically vibrant region.

Presenting the Budget, the Chief Minister said his government is focused on creating a business-friendly ecosystem that promotes innovation, investment and long-term economic stability. He told the House that sustained engagement with the Central Government is underway to address fiscal challenges and ensure balanced development across Jammu and Kashmir.

In a major push to strengthen the education sector, Abdullah announced that 594 lecturer posts have been referred to recruitment agencies to address teacher shortages, stressing that timely appointments would help improve academic standards. On the long-pending issue of regularisation of daily wagers and other temporary workers, he said a high-level committee constituted last year is examining legal and financial aspects, and that a phased roadmap for regularisation will be unveiled based on its recommendations.

Highlighting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity initiatives, the Chief Minister announced crop insurance coverage for key horticulture produce, including apple, saffron, mango and litchi. The Budget also provides for expansion of Controlled Atmosphere storage facilities, strengthening of value-chain infrastructure in under-served districts, promotion of micro and sprinkler irrigation, cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, and establishment of Embryo Transfer Technology laboratories in every district to improve livestock genetics. A renewed push towards achieving ODF-Plus status with sustainable rural sanitation infrastructure was also outlined.

Under Education and Youth Empowerment, Abdullah announced the launch of JK e-Pathshala DTH channels for Classes 1 to 12 to enable digital learning without internet connectivity. He also proposed upgradation of Anganwadi centres into modern Bal Vidyalayas, introduction of indoor sports facilities in government schools, and priority hiring of local youth in industries availing government concessions.

In the Healthcare and Wellness sector, the Budget provides for expansion of Lal Ded Hospital with IVF and NICU facilities, establishment of a new Mother and Child Hospital at GMC Anantnag, setting up of Cath Labs in Rajouri, Baramulla and Doda, and Emergency Hospitals in Uri and Poonch. A J&K-wide Cancer Control Strategy, in partnership with NITI Aayog and ICMR, and deployment of bullet-proof ambulances in border districts were also announced.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the contribution of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, assuring timely release of their honorariums, and announced an enhancement in the honorarium for vocational instructors, reiterating the government’s focus on worker welfare and social security.