SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday chaired a pre-Budget consultation meeting with key stakeholders at the Civil Secretariat here to gather inputs and perspectives from various sectors ahead of the Budget 2026–27 of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javaid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma; Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta; ACS Tourism Ashish Chander Verma; Principal Secretary Finance Santosh D. Vaidya; Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Vikramjit Singh; Secretary Social Welfare Sarmad Hafiz, besides senior officers from other departments.

During the meeting, stakeholders, including industrialists, traders, hoteliers, tour and travel operators, educationists, agriculturists, horticulturists, entrepreneurs and representatives of various business bodies presented their suggestions and inputs for consideration in the forthcoming Budget.

The discussions were held as part of the ongoing preparations for the Budget 2026–27 for Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that these interactions are an integral part of the Government’s annual pre-Budget consultations, aimed at collecting feedback from diverse sectors to help shape policies and ensure effective allocation of resources.

Giving a patient hearing to all participants, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah observed that pre-Budget consultations play a crucial role in addressing key economic challenges and promoting inclusive growth. He emphasised the need to present a people-friendly Budget that reflects public aspirations and sentiments.

The Chief Minister further noted that suggestions received during these consultations would help in formulating a responsive and pragmatic Budget framework. He assured the participants that their inputs would be carefully examined and, wherever feasible, incorporated into the Budget 2026–27.

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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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