Jammu, Jan 27: As part of the ongoing exercise for formulation of a people friendly and development-oriented budget, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a pre-budget consultation meeting with Members of the Legislative Assembly from Jammu and Samba districts, here.
Discussions were held on sector-wise priorities, district-specific developmental needs and policy interventions aimed at balanced and inclusive growth.
The consultation was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, who also represents the Chamb Assembly constituency. Members of the Legislative Assembly present in the meeting included Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal (Ramgarh), Surjeet Singh Slathia (Samba), Rajeev Kumar (Bishnah), Gharu Ram Bhagat (Suchetgarh), Vikram Randhawa (Bahu), Yudhvir Sethi (Jammu East), Devyani Rana (Nagrota), Arvind Gupta (Jammu West), Sham Lal Sharma (Jammu North) and Mohan Lal (Akhnoor).
The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretaries of Power Development Department and Public Works Department, Principal Secretary Finance, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Secretary Tribal Affairs, Secretary Rural Development, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Samba districts, Director General Budget, senior officers of the Finance Department and heads of key departments.
The out station officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Addressing the legislators, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the pre-budget consultations are part of a continuous and evolving process aimed at ensuring meaningful participation of elected representatives in shaping government priorities.
“I have reviewed the discussions held over the last few days. If we look at it from one side, this has been a continuous process. The good thing is that most of the issues raised were not repeated,” the Chief Minister said.
He emphasised that the purpose of these meetings is consultation rather than formal responses. “You and I both know that the government’s response to district development board meetings does not figure in these consultations. The objective here is to listen to you, understand your views and thoughts, and then translate them into policy and action,” he said.
The Chief Minister explained that constituency-specific issues would be addressed during the budget discussions in the Assembly when departments present their grants. “Whether it is the establishment of a degree college, irrigation-related works or other sectoral issues, answers will come when the concerned ministers present their grants in the House,” he added.
Referring to the funding received from the Government of India in the aftermath of the devastating floods that struck Jammu and Kashmir in August last year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed on ensuring complete transparency and accountability in utilisation.
“The flood relief amount of ₹1,430 crore received from the Government of India will not be distributed constituency-wise. Its distribution will be strictly based on the extent of damage and sectoral requirements,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister assured the legislators that the funds would be utilised in a transparent and time-bound manner. “I assure you all that the money will be used properly, transparently, and all details will be placed before you,” he added.
Earlier, the MLAs from Jammu and Samba districts highlighted a range of issues and projects requiring priority attention in the forthcoming budget. Key demands included road widening and new road projects, upgradation of health and educational institutions, enhancement of sports infrastructure, provision of potable drinking water, development of tourist destinations, strengthening healthcare facilities with adequate staffing, and establishment of new colleges and schools in their respective constituencies.
The elected representatives also stressed the need for focused interventions to improve basic amenities and accelerate socio-economic development across urban and rural areas of the twin districts.
The MLAs expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for initiating the pre-budget consultation process, appreciating the government’s effort to incorporate grassroots perspectives and elected representatives’ inputs into the budgetary framework.
The Chief Minister assured them that all genuine concerns and constructive suggestions would be duly examined and reflected in the upcoming budget to ensure inclusive and regionally balanced development across Jammu and Kashmir.
