JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal | Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a ₹1,13,767 crore budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Assembly. The budget prioritizes expansion of health services, employment generation, education reform, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure. The government claims that this budget has been prepared keeping in mind the needs of the common people.
The Chief Minister stated that the budget proposes revenue expenditure of ₹80,640 crore and capital expenditure of ₹33,127 crore. The estimated revenue receipt is ₹90,018 crore and capital receipt is ₹23,749 crore. The Union Territory’s own revenue from taxes and non-tax sources is estimated to be ₹31,800 crore, while central government assistance of ₹42,752 crore and ₹13,400 crore under centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) is proposed.
Strengthening Health Services
The budget has placed special emphasis on the health sector. The government has announced the expansion of PET scan services and an increase in the number of mobile medical units to provide healthcare facilities to remote areas. The opening of two AYUSH hospitals has also been announced in the next financial year. Furthermore, the commissioning of AIIMS Kashmir is targeted for 2026, providing advanced treatment facilities to patients in the state.
Education and Skill Development
The government has announced the introduction of vocational education in 554 schools to provide students with employable skills along with their studies. To address the shortage of teachers, 594 lecturer positions have been referred for recruitment.
Employment and Women’s Empowerment
Regarding women’s empowerment, the government reported that 2,962 women have become “Lakhpati Didi” so far. Under Mission Yuva, women are being provided self-employment, training, and financial assistance. The announcement of a new framework for the MSME sector is also a key part of the budget, which will boost small industries and startups.
Housing and Infrastructure
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 3.21 lakh houses have been completed so far, while more than 14,000 houses are under construction. Furthermore, the target of completing 1,200 migrant flats by 2026 has been set, and the target of a total of 6,000 flats has been reiterated.
Tourism, Culture, and Transportation
The government has announced an international film festival in 2026, which is expected to boost film tourism. New cultural centers will be established in Jammu and Kashmir. The budget also announced 200 new e-buses to promote environmentally friendly transportation.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that this budget will prove to be a catalyst for Jammu and Kashmir’s progress on the path of development and prosperity, and its direct benefits will reach the general public.
