Budget discussion resumes in Legislative Assembly

Jammu : The discussion on Budget 2026-27 resumed in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday with Legislators holding detailed deliberations on government’s financial proposals and policy priorities.
The budget debate highlighted various perspectives from legislators regarding the financial plan’s effectiveness and its implications for the region. Legislator Dr. Sajjad Shafi Uri characterized the budget as the best possible given the government’s resources, emphasizing its balanced approach to social welfare and fiscal responsibility. He pointed out initiatives such as fee waivers for economically disadvantaged students and free transport for persons with disabilities. Legislator Altaf Ahmad Wani stressed the importance of involving local MLAs in decision-making and called for improvements in the health sector, particularly in Anantnag, while expressing concern over the closure of a medical institute. Balwant Singh Mankotia urged the government to fulfill its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly regarding daily wage workers. MLA Mohammad Yousuf Rather advocated for prioritizing industrial development to create job opportunities for youth, emphasizing the need for local employment in new industries. Shabir Ahmad Kullay raised concerns about the impact of recent events on regional development and called for infrastructure improvements, including road upgrades and tourism enhancements. Legislator Ghulam Ahmad Mir welcomed the budget’s support for marriage assistance, pensions, and aid for the disabled, while also advocating for the regularization of daily wagers and the construction of key infrastructure. Waheed ur Rehman Para highlighted rising youth unemployment and proposed establishing deemed universities in every district, along with a cancer hospital. Arvind Gupta criticized the budget for not addressing issues like brain drain and raised concerns about water, tourism, and employment. Daleep Singh called for packages to upgrade power, tourism, and agriculture sectors, while Javaid Ahmad Mirchal praised the budget as a vision document for the underprivileged and called for better healthcare and tourism facilities. Legislator Peerzada Feroze Ahmad supported the budget for its comprehensive approach, noting improvements in health and infrastructure. Vijay Kumar emphasized the need for enhanced healthcare staffing and education sector improvements. Iftikar Ahmad expressed gratitude for the budget’s people-friendly measures and called for air-ambulance services in border areas. Dr. Rameshwar Singh supported the budget as historic for tourism promotion and welcomed initiatives like free education and gas cylinders for the poor. Zafar Ali Khatana highlighted the government’s efforts in providing connectivity and water supply, while also calling for the promotion of specific tourist areas and healthcare upgrades. Mohan Lal Bhagat criticized the budget for neglecting employment issues and the regularization of daily wagers, stressing the importance of tourism for the region’s economy. Ali Mohammad Dar praised the government’s initiatives, including free education and health facility upgrades, while Shagun Parihar raised concerns about power supply and tourism infrastructure in Kishtwar. Overall, the debate reflected a mix of support and criticism, with a strong emphasis on social welfare, infrastructure development, and employment generation.