Assesses fire damage at Sonamarg
JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized that 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. Omar said chairing a pre-budget consultation meeting here at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.
The session focused on understanding the perspectives of representative bodies from various sectors ahead of the upcoming Budget Session of the J&K Assembly. 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.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the devastating fire incident that struck the old market Sonamarg recently, Chief Minister visited the affected site to take stock of the damage and express solidarity with the affected shopkeepers.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan Mian Mehar Ali and Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore. During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with members of the Sonamarg Market Association, extending his sympathies and assuring them of the government’s full support.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to assisting the affected traders and ensuring swift measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The CM later chaired a high-level meeting with the Sonamarg Market Association, attended by senior officials, including the DC, SSP, SDM Kangan, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) and other district officers.
