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Minister appreciates CM Omar for extraordinary Budget 2026-27, calls it historical one
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Says “Budget reflects strong commitment towards human development, improved service delivery, inclusive growth”
Jammu : The Legislative Assembly Wednesday passed the grants amounting to Rs. 12,98,872.13 Lakh for School Education department, Rs. 8,65,476.57 Lakh for Health and Medical Education department, Rs. 4,45,671.59 Lakh for Social Welfare department and Rs. 2,15,016.37 Lakh for Higher Education department through voice vote.The grants were passed after day long discussion by Members in the house.
Minister Sakeena Itoo concluded the discussion on the Demands for Grants, expressing appreciation for the legislators’ insights on the challenges faced in the Health, Education, and Social Welfare sectors. She emphasized that these contributions will aid the government in addressing future issues. The Minister highlighted the importance of these sectors for national development, recalling the legacy of late Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who prioritized them. She acknowledged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s commitment to these sectors despite financial constraints, noting that the recent budget reflects a strong commitment to human development and inclusive growth. The budget is seen as a historical document, introducing various initiatives aimed at enhancing education, health services, and welfare. In the education sector, the Minister pointed out the government’s efforts to restore the academic calendar and improve teacher training, which have led to record-high student performance in recent examinations. Significant steps have been taken to regularize teaching staff and address vacancies, with plans for infrastructure development including additional classrooms and smart classrooms. The establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs and the introduction of educational DTH channels are also notable advancements. Regarding health services, the Minister reported on substantial improvements in hospital infrastructure and the addition of new facilities, including Cath Labs and advanced diagnostic equipment. The government is focused on making healthcare accessible and is investing in human resources by increasing medical officer positions and enhancing medical education. In the social welfare domain, the Minister highlighted the operational status of numerous Anganwadi Centres and the coverage of beneficiaries under nutrition programs. Upgrades to these centres are being implemented to improve service delivery. Overall, the Minister’s address underscored a commitment to enhancing the quality of education, health services, and social welfare in Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on inclusive growth and community well-being.
