Srinagar: Below are the highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26 tabled in Lok Sabha by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman:-
1. Union Budget 2025-26 Allocates Rs 41,000 Cr For J&K: The Union Finance Ministry has proposed Rs 41,000.07 Cr for Jammu & Kashmir in the 2025-26 Union Budget. The allocation remains unchanged from the previous year, with no increase in central assistance for the Union Territory.
2. No Increase In Central Assistance For J&K In Next Fiscal Year: The central assistance for Jammu & Kashmir in the upcoming fiscal year remains stagnant at Rs 40,619.30 Cr. This allocation aims to bridge the resource gap of the Union Territory, reflecting the financial challenges the region continues to face.
3. J&K Receives Rs 40,619 Cr For Resource Gap Bridging: A significant portion of the total Rs 41,000 Cr allocated to Jammu & Kashmir will be used to address its resource gap. The Union Government has earmarked Rs 40,619.30 Cr in central assistance for this purpose, ensuring key public services continue uninterrupted.
4. Rs 279 Cr Set Aside For J&K’s Disaster Response Fund: The Union Budget includes a provision of Rs 279 Cr as grants for the Union Territory Disaster Response Fund. This will enhance J&K’s capacity to respond to natural disasters, such as floods, and provide relief to affected communities.
5. J&K Infra Projects To Receive Rs 101.77 Cr In Central Aid: Aimed at addressing infrastructure funding gaps, the Union Government has proposed Rs 101.77 Cr for infrastructure projects in Jammu & Kashmir. This funding will support key development initiatives, including transportation and health services.
6. Union Government Allocates Rs 9,325 Cr For J&K Police in 2025-26: The Jammu & Kashmir Police will receive a substantial budget of Rs 9,325 Cr for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Of this, Rs 8,897 Cr will cover revenue expenses, while Rs 428 Cr is allocated for capital expenditure, bolstering the region’s security infrastructure.
7. J&K Police Budget BreakUp: Rs 8,897 Cr for Revenue, Rs 428 Cr for Capital: The detailed allocation for the Jammu & Kashmir Police includes Rs 8,897.72 Cr for day-to-day operational expenses and Rs 428.01 Cr for modernizing the force, including investment in new technology and infrastructure.
8. Opposition Questions Continued Central Control Over J&K Police Budget: The centralization of Jammu & Kashmir Police’s budget in the Union Budget has raised concerns among opposition parties. Critics argue that this move highlights the ongoing central control over J&K, even after the region’s reorganization into a Union Territory in 2019.
9. J&K’s Financial Assistance Revised to Rs 41,000 Cr from Rs 42,277 Cr: The Union Government has revised the financial assistance for Jammu & Kashmir for the ongoing fiscal year, reducing the amount from Rs 42,277 Cr to Rs 41,000 Cr. This adjustment reflects changes in the region’s funding requirements.
