After seven long years, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is finally witnessing the presentation of a budget. This should have been a momentous occasion, marking the return of full-fledged legislative governance and a renewed focus on addressing the region’s pressing issues. However, despite the symbolic significance, there is little expectation of meaningful or tangible results beyond the routine passage of bills. Given the prevailing limitations on legislative authority and decision-making, the session is likely to be dominated by political rhetoric, accusations, and counter-accusations rather than substantial policy discussions or real progress on the ground.
A Long-Awaited Assembly Session With Limited Scope: Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and the subsequent downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory, the region has been governed directly by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. The absence of an elected Assembly and the imposition of central control have led to repeated demands for democratic restoration. Now, with the newly elected MLAs finally convening, there was hope that the budget session would address critical developmental concerns and set a roadmap for Jammu and Kashmir’s future. However, the constraints within which the Assembly is operating raise serious doubts about the effectiveness of this budget session. With key financial and administrative powers still resting with the central government, the ability of legislators to influence major policy decisions remains limited. As a result, this session might turn out to be more about political posturing than delivering concrete solutions to the people.
What to expect from J&K budget 2025? The budget is expected to focus on infrastructure, social welfare, and economic development. However, without real autonomy, the exercise may be reduced to a mere formality. The key areas that should ideally be addressed include:
1. Infrastructure, Connectivity: The condition of roads, power supply, and basic amenities remains a major challenge in both urban and rural areas. The long-pending issues surrounding the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and intra-city transport networks require urgent attention. In the 2024 budget, ₹6000 crore was allocated for road infrastructure, yet NH44 continues to suffer from frequent blockades and delays, highlighting a gap between allocations and implementation.
2. Employment, Economic Growth: Unemployment remains one of the biggest concerns in J&K, particularly among the youth. While previous budgets have promised job creation, the lack of a well-defined policy to boost private sector investments has hindered real progress. The government’s initiatives, such as the recent Industrial Development Scheme, have yet to show significant results on the ground.
3. Revival of Tourism: While tourism in Kashmir has seen an increase in recent years, infrastructural bottlenecks, expensive airfare, and limited accommodations continue to restrict its full potential. In 2024, ₹1000 crore was allocated for tourism promotion, but without addressing high travel costs and inadequate facilities, the sector’s growth remains constrained. Budget allocations should focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term promotions.
4. Agriculture, Horticulture: The backbone of Kashmir’s economy, horticulture and agriculture, require modernized policies to tackle climate change impacts and ensure better market access for farmers. Despite government schemes, apple growers continue to face transportation and pricing challenges, reducing their profit margins.
5. Restoration Of Political, Administrative Autonomy: Many stakeholders are demanding a return to statehood and greater legislative control over finances and governance. However, it is unclear if the budget will reflect any roadmap toward addressing these concerns. If the Assembly is to function effectively, it must push for more financial autonomy to make independent policy decisions.
“While discussions on allocations and expenditures will take place, the absence of genuine decision-making authority may render this exercise ineffective. Unless there is a shift toward greater political and economic autonomy, future budget sessions may continue to be more about symbolism than actual progress. However, public awareness and political accountability can still play a role. Citizens must demand transparency in budget implementation and push for policies that translate into real development. The real test will be whether this budget leads to visible improvements in governance, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir—or if it remains just another political exercise with no substantial results.”
Political Rhetoric vs. Ground Realities: One of the biggest concerns regarding this budget session is that it may be overshadowed by political grandstanding rather than constructive debates. The ruling party may use the opportunity to showcase the ‘development’ narrative, while opposition parties are expected to highlight the failures of governance under the LG administration. Instead of focusing on solutions, the session may devolve into a blame game, with accusations flying between different political factions. The opposition may raise issues such as power cuts, water shortages, and unemployment, while the ruling party might counter with claims of increased investments, improved law and order, and better governance. This pattern of political posturing is not new. The Assembly’s first session after seven years should ideally focus on critical reforms, accountability, and addressing public grievances. However, given the lack of legislative power and autonomy, most discussions may remain superficial, with little to no impact on ground realities.
The Large Question: Is J&K Getting Real Governance? Beyond the budget numbers, the larger issue is whether Jammu and Kashmir is truly getting the governance it needs. The Assembly’s ability to take independent decisions remains constrained, and until key powers are restored, any budget discussion will be largely symbolic. For governance to be effective, there needs to be more than just the presentation of a budget. There must be accountability for how funds are utilized, concrete steps to address economic and infrastructural challenges, and, most importantly, a commitment to restoring full democratic functioning. With assembly elections expected in the coming years, this budget could serve as a political battleground where parties position themselves on governance issues. If leaders want to prove their commitment to development, they must move beyond rhetoric and focus on implementation and policy execution.
Conclusion: Will This Budget Bring Change? The 2025 J&K Budget presentation is an important event, but its impact is likely to be limited given the current administrative framework. While discussions on allocations and expenditures will take place, the absence of genuine decision-making authority may render this exercise ineffective. Unless there is a shift toward greater political and economic autonomy, future budget sessions may continue to be more about symbolism than actual progress. However, public awareness and political accountability can still play a role. Citizens must demand transparency in budget implementation and push for policies that translate into real development. The real test will be whether this budget leads to visible improvements in governance, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir—or if it remains just another political exercise with no substantial results.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Ahmad Ayaz
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