On Friday, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, presented the Union Territory’s first-ever budget with an impressive outlay of Rs 1.12 lakh crore. This budget comes at a crucial time, as the region is transitioning towards a new era of peace and prosperity after decades of unrest. Omar Abdullah highlighted the significant improvements and reforms being introduced to boost economic growth and provide for the welfare of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. Welfare Initiatives For All Sections Of Society Firstly, a major focus of the budget is welfare […]
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah
On Friday, Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, presented the Union Territory’s first-ever budget with an impressive outlay of Rs 1.12 lakh crore. This budget comes at a crucial time, as the region is transitioning towards a new era of peace and prosperity after decades of unrest. Omar Abdullah highlighted the significant improvements and reforms being introduced to boost economic growth and provide for the welfare of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Firstly, a major focus of the budget is welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of Jammu and Kashmir residents. Secondly, these initiatives include free electricity, free transportation, increased pension amounts, and food security programs.
One of the most notable announcements was the provision of up to 200 units of free electricity each month for families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY). This will help ease the financial burden on low-income families. Additionally, a free bus service for women will be introduced, providing safe and affordable transportation. Starting from April 1, 2025, women will be able to travel on all government-owned public transport, including e-buses, without any charges. This move is designed to enhance access to education, employment, and ensure safer travel for women.
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In terms of social security, the Chief Minister announced a rise in pension amounts. People under 60 will now receive Rs 1,250 per month. For those aged 60 to 80 years, the pension will be Rs 1,500 per month. Furthermore for those over 80, it will be Rs 2,000 per month. Hence this will increase the total annual pension expenditure from Rs 1,209 crore to Rs 1,755 crore. Abdullah also emphasized that, starting April 1, 2025, AAY beneficiaries will receive 10 kg of free ration per person. This move strengthens food security for vulnerable families.
In another move to support underprivileged families, Abdullah announced that the financial aid under the Marriage Assistance Scheme for girls in the AAY category will be increased. Moreover, the amount will rise from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, helping families with the cost of their daughters’ weddings.
Omar Abdullah also focused on improving infrastructure. Rs 50 crore has been allocated for a new legislative complex in Jammu, with the total project cost estimated at Rs 208 crore. In addition, the government will build 4,500 new housing units in Jammu and Srinagar, including 300 more units. Notably, two new towers with 64 modern 3BHK and 4BHK flats will be constructed on Canal Road in Jammu, with an allocation of Rs 20 crore.
This budget is a step towards a self-reliant, prosperous, and equitable Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover with a focus on investing in industry, tourism, education, and infrastructure. The budget is designed to ensure economic stability and social welfare for the people of the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed confidence that these initiatives would lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and overall development.
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