Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led pre-budget consultations with public representatives from Jammu district at a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat. The session saw the participation of Minister Satish Sharma, Chairman of the District Development Council , Members of the Legislative Assembly from Jammu district, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, and Principal Secretary of Finance Santosh D. Vaidya. Some MLAs also attended the meeting virtually via video conference.
In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed the importance of engaging elected representatives in the budget formulation process to ensure that the people’s aspirations and needs are adequately reflected. He stated, “While we could have drafted the budget in our offices, we are consulting elected representatives to ensure the needs and aspirations of the people are fully incorporated.”
Recognising the critical role public representatives play in understanding the ground realities, the Chief Minister noted that their close interactions with the people during election campaigns give them deep insights into the issues and demands of their constituencies. “You traveled extensively during your election campaigns, meeting people and understanding their concerns. This is why I decided to hold these consultations with you,” he added.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these discussions would significantly shape the budget and address the pressing issues facing the people. During the consultation, the Chairman of DDC Jammu and various MLAs highlighted key demands and concerns affecting their constituencies. These included improving irrigation systems and ensuring access to clean drinking water in several areas, upgrading roads, constructing bridges, and enhancing overall infrastructure for better connectivity. Improvements in healthcare and the construction of new educational institutions were also discussed, alongside the need for modernising drainage and sewerage systems, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, to prevent water-logging and sanitation issues. The rise in drug abuse was another significant concern, with calls for the establishment of de-addiction centres, awareness campaigns, and stricter enforcement measures. Representatives also emphasised the need for developing sports infrastructure, including stadiums, playgrounds, and training centres, to encourage youth participation in sports. Tourism development was also a key focus, with suggestions to improve local amenities and create new tourism circuits to boost the local economy.
The public representatives expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for initiating the pre-budget consultations, noting that it was the first time they were actively involved in the budget-making process. They appreciated the government’s inclusive approach and expressed optimism that their concerns would be addressed in the final budget.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu presented a detailed, sector-wise proposal based on inputs from MLAs, which covered various development sectors such as rural and urban development, public works, irrigation, healthcare, education, and social welfare. Special emphasis was given to flood protection measures, groundwater conservation, and strengthening the Jal Shakti Department to combat water scarcity. This inclusive approach reflects the government’s commitment to making the budget a true reflection of the needs and aspirations of the people, ensuring comprehensive development across Jammu district.