SRINAGAR: Continuing his engagement with various stakeholders, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a pre-budget consultation meeting here at the Civil Secretariat. The session focused on understanding the perspectives of representative bodies from various sectors ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of the J&K Assembly.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education Shantamanu, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D Vaidya, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports along with heads of departments and senior officers from various departments, attended the meeting both in person and virtually.

During the discussions, stakeholders from diverse sectors including industrialists, traders, hoteliers, travel & tour operators, tourism players, educationists, sportspersons, agriculturists, horticulturists, entrepreneurs and representatives of industry & trade bodies like FCIK, KCCI, CII, PHD Chamber shared their inputs and suggestions for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2025-26.

During the deliberations,  key demands were projected by stakeholders pertaining to framing of one consolidated industrial policy, upgradation of Industrial estates, connecting IGC Lassipora with National Highway, power amnesty to industrial units, crop insurance for horticulture produce, conservation of wetlands, incentivizing cherry, walnut & apricot plantation, PPP model in health sector, preservation of houseboats, free hold rights to industrial units, setting up of multi-disciplinary institutions, higher education clusters, autonomous degree colleges, establishing skill development university, creating parking lots in downtown Srinagar and other towns, decongestion of tourist places, solid waste management in tourist resorts, maintenance of stadiums & playgrounds, setting up of sports academies and increase in promotion & publicity budget for tourism.

Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that these consultations have become a key part of this government’s pre-budget exercise, aimed at gathering insights from multiple sectors to shape effective policies and allocate resources efficiently.

The Chief Minister patiently listened to all stakeholders, underscoring the importance of these discussions in addressing economic challenges and promoting growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to presenting a budget that aligns with public needs and aspirations.

To ensure a people-centric budget, the Chief Minister noted that extensive pre-budget consultations have been conducted. So far, he has engaged with public representatives, including Chairpersons of District Development Councils (DDCs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from ten districts—Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Pulwama and Kulgam in Kashmir division and Udhampur, Ramban, Kathua, Reasi and Samba in Jammu division.

Additionally, consultation meetings have already been held with various stakeholders from Jammu, including representatives from industry & trade, tourism, hotel & hospitality, education, social welfare, tribal affairs, youth affairs, and agriculture sectors.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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