Srinagar, March 3, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly convenes today for its much-anticipated budget session, marking the first budget presentation by an elected government since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This session, commencing on March 3, is a significant milestone, as the region’s budgets have been passed by Parliament under President’s Rule for the past several years. The last budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly took place in January-February 2018.
The 28-day proceedings will kick off with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who will outline the administration’s priorities and set the tone for the session.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the budget on March 7. This budget is expected to reflect the priorities of the newly elected government and address key issues facing the Union Territory.
Ahead of the session, Chief Minister Abdullah met with LG Manoj Sinha to discuss pressing administrative matters, signaling a collaborative approach to governance.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with 28 MLAs in the Assembly, held a two-day training workshop to equip its legislators for the upcoming debates and discussions.
Beyond the budget, the session will delve into a range of legislative matters. Lawmakers from both the ruling coalition and opposition parties are preparing to introduce private members’ bills and resolutions. Among the anticipated topics are calls for a liquor ban, stronger land rights, and enhanced job security measures for residents—issues that have long been points of contention in the region.
The session comes at a pivotal time for Jammu and Kashmir, as it navigates its transition following the repeal of Article 370 and the subsequent reorganisation into a Union Territory. With the elected government now in place, all eyes will be on Chief Minister Abdullah’s budget proposals and the legislative agenda that unfolds over the next four weeks.