Jammu Kashmir Assembly Sanctions Rs 6.68 Lakh Crore for Key Departments | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today approved grants totalling Rs 6,67,873.58 lakh for multiple departments, including the General Administration Department (GAD), Power Development, Finance, Housing, Tourism, and Disaster Management, following extensive two-day deliberations.

In addition to the main budget, the House passed 19 supplementary grants amounting to Rs 3,52,341.28 lakh. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also Leader of the House, thanked legislators for their active participation, noting that 43 members contributed to the discussion.

Addressing the Assembly, Abdullah highlighted the priority of regularising daily wagers, temporary, seasonal, and ad hoc workers, many of whom have served for decades. He stated that a committee under the Chief Secretary is formulating a legally and financially viable framework, with the phased regularisation expected to begin once the report is finalised.

The Chief Minister also underscored the government’s commitment to filling around 30,000 vacant posts this year through transparent recruitment, while clarifying that outsourcing engagements serve as supplementary employment opportunities.

Outlining the Union Territory’s financial condition, Abdullah noted that only 25 percent of expenditures are covered by local tax and non-tax revenue, with the remainder dependent on central assistance. He stressed improved financial discipline, ending off-budget borrowings, and emphasised utilisation of interest-free loans under schemes such as SASCI.

Abdullah also highlighted sector-specific initiatives, including climate change mitigation, tourism revival—including reopening of destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg—power sector development with plans to harness up to 18,000 MW potential, housing projects for Economically Weaker Sections, and completion of mini-secretariats in Tangmarg, Srinagar, and Poonch.

On employee welfare, the Chief Minister confirmed that retirement benefits and pensions have been released in record amounts this year, while initiatives for transparent advertisement allocations in the Information Department were also announced.

The Assembly saw participation from both ruling and opposition legislators, including Sunil Sharma, Sajad Gani Lone, RS Pathania, Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Yudhvir Sethi, and others. Following the Chief Minister’s assurances, all cut motions were withdrawn, reflecting consensus on addressing issues raised by the members.