SRINAGAR, Feb 13: On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conducted meetings with public representatives from Shopian and Kupwara districts to finalize consultations before the upcoming Assembly Budget Session.
The Budget Session for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is scheduled to commence on March 3. This session marks the first budget under the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference administration, following the end of a six-year central rule after he took office on October 16 last year.
The Chief Minister engaged in discussions with chairpersons of the District Development Councils and legislators from both districts, participating in person as well as through virtual platforms, as stated by an official.
In attendance were the chief minister’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, additional chief secretary Dheeraj Gupta, and principal secretary of Finance Santosh D Vaidya.
Deputy commissioners from Shopian and Kupwara Districts joined the meeting via video conference.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized that while proposing works in the district capex budget, priority should be given to projects that can be completed within a two to three-year timeframe, ensuring clear deliverables that fall within the allocated funds.
He highlighted the importance of prioritizing initiatives with achievable goals that fit the budget cycle and meet public needs and aspirations.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the goal of these consultations is to gather valuable insights from stakeholders and public representatives who have a keen understanding of ground realities, to suggest projects that are essential for promoting public welfare.
Throughout these in-person meetings, the Chief Minister has engaged in pre-budget discussions with chairpersons of DDCs, MLAs, and representatives from various stakeholder groups, including trade unions, industrialists, and entrepreneurs, ensuring that the budget effectively serves the public’s interests.
