JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday continued pre-budget consultations with key government departments for the second consecutive day to assess priorities, sectoral requirements and development imperatives ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on February 2.
The Chief Minister, who also holds the Finance portfolio, chaired detailed discussions with the departments of Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, Public Works (Roads and Buildings), Mining, Industries and Commerce, and Labour.
The meetings were attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, School Education and Higher Education, Sakina Itoo.
Senior officials present included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, PWD, Anil Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Finance, Santosh D. Vaidya, along with Administrative Secretaries of the concerned departments and senior officers of the Finance Department.
During the consultations, the Chief Minister reviewed sector-wise progress, ongoing projects, budget utilisation and future funding requirements. He emphasised the importance of realistic, outcome-oriented budgeting, ensuring that public resources are channelled towards priority sectors that have a direct impact on people’s lives.
Calling for a people-centric and performance-driven approach, the Chief Minister said the forthcoming budget must prioritise strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure, expanding social security coverage, improving road connectivity, promoting industrial growth and generating employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.
He also stressed the need for timely completion of projects, transparency in implementation and efficient service delivery, stating that the budget should reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring inclusive growth, balanced regional development and sustainable economic progress.
The Chief Minister directed departments to submit well-structured, need-based proposals aligned with the government’s development roadmap and fiscal discipline.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had initiated pre-budget consultations with nine key departments on Monday. The consultative exercise will conclude on January 22 with meetings involving the remaining departments.
The pre-budget consultations aim to finalise a comprehensive, growth-oriented and people-friendly budget for Jammu and Kashmir.
