Jammu- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday continued his pre-budget consultations with cross-sections of the people, stating that the exercise is meant to ensure that the aspirations and needs of the people are adequately reflected.
Abdullah expressed confidence that these discussions would play a crucial role in shaping the budget and addressing key concerns of the people.
The budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will commence on March 3, and the Chief Minister is expected to present his maiden budget on March 7.
“We could have drafted the budget in our offices, but we are consulting elected representatives so that the people’s needs and aspirations are taken into account,” the Chief Minister said while chairing pre-budget consultations with public representatives from Jammu district at a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat here.
The session was attended, among others, by Minister Satish Sharma, Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC), Members of the Legislative Assembly from Jammu district, and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo.
The Chief Minister said the public representatives are aware of the ground realities and have interacted closely with the people during election campaigns last year.
“During your electioneering, you traveled across your constituencies and met people. You understand their issues and demands because you are directly connected to them. That is why I decided to hold these consultations with you,” he said.
The public representatives thanked the Chief Minister for initiating the pre-budget consultations, saying that it was the first time they were being actively involved in the budget formulation process.
They expressed appreciation for the government’s inclusive approach, which allowed them to voice their constituency needs directly, an official spokesman said.
They also expressed optimism that their concerns and demands would be taken into account while drafting the budget, he added.
During the consultation, the participants highlighted various issues of public concern, including the alarming rise in drug abuse, requests for establishing de-addiction centers, and stricter enforcement measures.
Tourism development was another key focus, with suggestions to promote local attractions, improve tourist amenities, and create new tourism circuits to boost the local economy, the spokesman said.
He added that many representatives raised concerns about the poor condition of roads, the need for the construction of bridges, and the overall upgrading of infrastructure to facilitate better connectivity.
The discussions also covered healthcare improvements, the construction of new educational institutions, and other issues.
Several members also called for the development of sports infrastructure, including the construction of stadiums, playgrounds, and training centers to encourage youth participation in sports, the spokesman said.
Uplifting marginalized communities our duty
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said uplifting marginalized communities like Gujjar-Bakerwal is not an act of favour but a fundamental duty of his government.
He said despite the limitations in ministerial appointments, he ensured representation for the Gujjar community by appointing Javed Ahmed Rana as a minister in his cabinet.
“After the election, we had to think about the cabinet ministers. However, there was very little scope. I requested Rana to join the cabinet.
“Not only would he serve Jammu and Kashmir, but he will also be responsible for representing the community, being your voice, and addressing all your issues,” Abdullah said at a felicitation ceremony held by Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT) here in his honour following his election as chief minister.
He said by inducting Rana into the cabinet, he aimed to ensure that the Gujjar community’s concerns were heard and addressed within the government.
On the demand for a tribal university, the chief minister expressed confidence that with the dedication of the charitable trust and its people, this vision would become a reality soon.
“You should prepare a project. You should prepare a plan. I will sit with your trust when your plan is ready. We will definitely do our part,” he assured.
Reflecting on his previous visit to GDCT as chief minister, he acknowledged the changes over time — some positive, some challenging.
“After a long time, I have again had the opportunity to attend a function of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust. If my recollection is correct, perhaps when I came here for the last time, I was a chief minister. A lot has changed since then,” he said, referring to his first stint from 2009 to 2014.
Paying tribute to Masood A Choudhary, the visionary founder of the trust, the chief minister praised his legacy and contributions.
“But unfortunately, the person who planted this seed, who laid its (trust)foundation, is no longer with us. If I begin my speech without remembering Choudhary, it would be an injustice,” he remarked.
Abdullah also expressed his emotional connection to the trust, recalling the close relationship his grandmother, Madr-e-Meharban, had with it.
“I want this trust to grow stronger. My grandmother had a deep bond with it. Though she is no longer with us, her name is etched here. You have honoured her memory by dedicating a library in her name. I consider it my responsibility to ensure that wherever possible, the government supports this trust in fulfilling its mission,” he said.
Later, the chief minister also visited the library block established by the trust for research on the Gujjar-Bakerwal community.
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