JAMMU, FEB 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to presenting a people-friendly budget for Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing that active participation of public representatives ensures that the aspirations and needs of the people are reflected in the financial planning of the state.
Chairing a series of pre-budget consultation meetings at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, the Chief Minister interacted with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Anantnag, Budgam, Kathua, and Samba districts, along with District Development Council (DDC) Chairpersons, through video conferencing. Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, Speaker of the J&K Legislative Assembly and representative of Charar-i-Sharief, also joined the discussions virtually.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya, Director General Budget J&K, and Deputy Commissioners of the participating districts, along with other administrative heads.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah stated, “The primary aim of these consultations is to gather valuable suggestions from key stakeholders before finalizing the budget. We want to ensure that this budget is not just by the government but for the people, incorporating their voices and priorities.”
He assured MLAs and DDC Chairpersons that their inputs would be integral in shaping the upcoming budget, reinforcing the government’s dedication to inclusive and transparent governance. “Your election victories are based on the trust of the people, and their expectations are linked to your leadership. This budget will reflect the needs of those who voted and participated in the democratic process,” he told the representatives.
The Chief Minister further emphasized that the consultation process would be a continuous effort, ensuring sustained engagement with elected representatives. “This is not a one-off event. We will continue to consult with you regularly to address your concerns and extend all possible support,” he added.
During the discussions, MLAs and DDC Chairpersons raised key concerns, including road widening projects, new road construction, enhancement of sports infrastructure, upgradation of healthcare and education facilities, potable drinking water supply, development of tourist destinations, and staffing in health institutions. They also advocated for the establishment of new colleges and schools in their respective constituencies.
