Srinagar I 11 March 2025- In a significant move to address poverty and social inequality, the Jammu and Kashmir government, under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, unveiled a series of welfare measures in its 2025 budget aimed at uplifting the region’s most vulnerable populations. Targeting families enrolled in the Antyodaya Anna Yojana —a central scheme for India’s poorest households—the initiatives promise to bolster financial security and restore dignity to those grappling with decades of economic hardship and regional instability.
Key provisions include a monthly allocation of 10 kg of free ration per person, ensuring food security for AAY beneficiaries. Additionally, the budget introduces age-based pensions ranging from ₹1,250 to ₹2,000 per month, tailored to support the elderly and disabled. Women, a critical demographic in J&K’s socio-economic fabric, will benefit from free travel on newly introduced electric buses, a step toward eco-friendly empowerment. The government also pledged marriage assistance—though specifics on amounts remain undisclosed—to ease the financial burden of weddings, a culturally significant milestone.
“These measures reflect our commitment to the marginalized,” Chief Minister Abdullah said during the budget presentation. “Dignity and stability are not just promises; they are rights we must deliver.” The announcement comes as J&K navigates its post-Article 370 landscape, with the region’s special status revoked in 2019, leaving a legacy of economic challenges compounded by militancy and unemployment.
Public reaction has been mixed. Residents like Naseema Begum, a widow from Baramulla, welcomed the ration increase: “Ten kilos means my children won’t sleep hungry.” Conversely, critics argue the measures fall short. “Pensions of ₹2,000 won’t cover rising costs,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a Srinagar shopkeeper. “And what about jobs?” Online, X users echoed this divide, with some hailing the budget as “a lifeline” and others dismissing it as “tokenism” amid J&K’s broader struggles.
Experts note that implementation will be key. With the region’s fractured infrastructure and bureaucratic delays, ensuring these benefits reach remote villages remains a challenge. The budget’s success may also hinge on federal support, as J&K, now a Union Territory, relies heavily on New Delhi’s fiscal allocations.
As the government rolls out these initiatives, all eyes are on Srinagar to see if this blend of welfare and symbolism can truly transform lives—or if it’s merely a stepping stone in a longer journey toward equity and peace.