The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed grants worth thousands of crores for several key departments after detailed two-day discussions.
The grants included ₹61,575.88 lakh for the General Administration Department (GAD), ₹47,648.38 lakh for Planning, ₹12,408.31 lakh for Information, ₹12,54,383.63 lakh for the Power Development Department, ₹52,37,955.90 lakh for Finance, ₹7,742.54 lakh for Parliamentary Affairs, ₹75,028.93 lakh for the Law Department (excluding Election), ₹78,461.35 lakh for Revenue, ₹4,22,783.97 lakh for Housing & Urban Development, ₹66,622.88 lakh for Tourism, ₹40,749.54 lakh for Hospitality, ₹17,622.31 lakh for Culture, and ₹1,46,098.46 lakh for Disaster Management. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The House also approved 19 supplementary grants amounting to ₹3,52,341.28 lakh.
Replying to the debate, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked all MLAs for their active participation. He noted that 43 members took part in the discussion and over 500 cut motions were moved.
“I thank all honourable members. By listening to them, we get a chance to learn and correct mistakes,” he said.
Focus on Daily Rated Workers
Speaking about the General Administration Department, the Chief Minister said many MLAs raised concerns about daily rated workers, temporary staff and other categories who have worked for decades without regularisation.
He informed the House that a committee under the Chief Secretary has been formed to prepare a legally and financially viable framework.
“We do not want to make hollow promises that later get stuck in court,” he said, adding that the regularisation process would begin in phases once the committee submits its report.
Recruitment and Vacancies
On employment, Omar Abdullah clarified that around 6,000–6,500 posts have already been filled. He said the government aims to fill nearly 30,000 vacant posts this year through transparent and time-bound recruitment via the Service Selection Board and Public Service Commission.
He added that outsourcing engagements also provide earning opportunities, even if they are not counted as formal government jobs.
Financial Situation of J&K
The Chief Minister explained that only about 25% of J&K’s expenditure is covered by its own tax and non-tax revenue. The remaining 75% comes from central assistance.
He said this financial situation was inherited and efforts are being made to improve self-reliance.
He also highlighted the benefits of the SASCI scheme, which provides 50-year interest-free loans. He urged maximum use of such funds for development.
Importantly, he stated that off-budget borrowing practices have ended.
“Not a single penny is off-budget borrowing. Every debt is fully recorded,” he said.
Employee Benefits and Pensions
Addressing delays in retirement benefits, Omar Abdullah informed the House that in 2026 the government released ₹3,173.39 crore in GPF, ₹1,170.21 crore in gratuity, ₹838.28 crore in commutation and ₹425 crore in leave salary.
He assured continued efforts to ease hardships for employees.
Climate Action and Mitigation Fund
The Chief Minister said climate response is now essential for J&K, especially after last year’s drought and heavy rainfall. A climate mitigation fund has been prepared, and departments will be made responsible for studying climate impacts.
Tourism Revival and Expansion
Calling tourism a key sector, Omar Abdullah said the industry has recovered despite challenges after the Pahalgam incident.
He noted that hotels in Gulmarg and Sonamarg are currently full and expressed hope that all remaining closed destinations would reopen by May.
He also spoke about expanding tourism in Jammu, which attracts over one crore pilgrims annually to Mata Vaishno Devi. Retaining even 10% of these visitors for longer stays could significantly boost the region’s economy.
Projects like the Jammu Riverfront and Baag-e-Gul-e-Dawood were also highlighted as major attractions.
Power Sector Plans
The Chief Minister described power as both a challenge and an opportunity. J&K has an estimated 18,000 MW power potential but has developed only around 3,000–3,500 MW so far.
He said the government aims to add another 3,000–3,500 MW in the next two to three years, with long-term plans to harness the remaining capacity over the next 10–15 years.
He also assured that there are no plans to privatise power distribution companies.
Housing, Revenue and Transparency
Omar Abdullah said action against major encroachers would begin, targeting “big sharks” rather than poor people.
He announced that 2–3 major vertical housing projects for Economically Weaker Sections will be launched in Jammu and Srinagar this year.
On revenue reforms, he said incomplete mini-secretariats in places like Tangmarg, Srinagar and Poonch would be completed soon.
He also assured MLAs that savings under the CDF scheme belong entirely to them and would not be returned to the Treasury.
Media Transparency
On the Information Department, the Chief Minister said advertisement distribution would be made more transparent, based on circulation and readership.
“I don’t believe in media censorship. I have never asked any media house to write in my favour or against anyone,” he said.
Several members, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and other legislators from different parties, participated in the debate. After the Chief Minister’s reply and assurances, the MLAs withdrew their cut motions.
The Assembly proceedings concluded with the passage of grants and the government’s commitment to address the issues raised by members.
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