Raising serious concerns over provisions of the Indo-US trade deal, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday stated that it could adversely impact Jammu and Kashmir’s dry fruit and horticulture economy.
The Chief Minister was replying to the discussion on the Budget 2026–27, presented by him for the second consecutive year in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on February 6.
During his address, Abdullah said, “Tree nuts like walnuts and almonds — are originally from Jammu and Kashmir and allowing their duty-free imports raises questions about (our) sympathy for our farmers.”
He added that even apples should have been protected.
On SASCI Scheme, he said that it provides Jammu and Kashmir access to interest-free financial support for the next 50 years, calling it a responsible fiscal measure.
“The value of money after 50 years can be imagined. This is a significant relief,” he said.
He cited figures from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to explain how states have benefited under the scheme.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his Government’s firm commitment to fulfilling all promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Budget lays a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, social welfare and inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the Government is focused on creating employment opportunities, strengthening core infrastructure, improving public services and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society in a transparent and time-bound manner.
On the issue of regularisation of daily wage workers, the CM said, “God willing, we will initiate the regularisation of daily wagers this year, and we will continue to support them.”
The Chief Minister also said the Opposition is unable to digest the pro-people nature of the Budget.
He recalled that SRO-based employment support for militancy-hit families was initiated in 1996 under former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, benefiting thousands.
The Chief Minister underlined that the Government’s foremost responsibility is towards the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society.
“The first responsibility of every government is to help the weakest and the poorest. Through this Budget, we have tried to provide comfort to those who need it the most,” he said.
Rejecting criticism over not announcing certain populist measures, he stated firmly that the Government’s priority remains social justice and targeted welfare.
Clarifying a major welfare promise, CM Omar Abdullah announced that the Government will provide free LPG cylinders from its own budgetary resources, without depending on any central scheme.
“I want to put it on record that we will give these cylinders with our own money and resources. We do not need to take money from the central government for this,” he said.
Responding to allegations that the Budget contains only centrally-sponsored schemes, the Chief Minister highlighted several unique initiatives funded directly through the J&K Budget.
He announced monthly assistance for orphans and vulnerable families:
“We have said that those who have lost both parents, or who have lost the sole breadwinner, will be declared orphans. If they are not covered under any other scheme, they will receive Rs 4,000 per month,” he said.
Similarly, scholarships for tribal children and poor students have been introduced where no other coverage exists.
He also recalled the success of free bus ridership for women announced last year.
“This was not a Government of India scheme. We introduced it through our own Budget, and it has been very successful,” he said.
This year, the Government has extended free ridership relief to persons with disabilities.
The Chief Minister also spoke about expanding environmentally-friendly EV bus service while ensuring balanced growth for other transport sectors.
“If we can make EV buses reach more areas, autos and taxis will also run. By closing one thing, we cannot increase the economy,” he said.
Refuting claims that the Budget is shrinking, CM Omar Abdullah clarified expenditure figures and said misleading comparisons were being drawn.
He explained that last year’s revenue expenditure was higher due to the settlement of expensive loans, which is not the case this year.
“To say that we are shrinking our economy is not true at all. We have put our money where it is most needed,” he asserted.
Emphasising that Jammu and Kashmir lives in its villages, Abdullah said the Budget gives special attention to strengthening the rural economy.
He listed key thrust areas including agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy development.
In horticulture, he highlighted the introduction of weather-based crop insurance for the first time.
The Chief Minister also underscored his Government’s strong focus on youth empowerment through Mission YUVA, a flagship initiative aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship and enhancing skill development across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the scheme is designed to harness the potential of young people by supporting start-ups, self-employment ventures and targeted training programmes, enabling the youth to become active partners in the region’s economic growth.
Addressing criticism that the Budget is Kashmir-centric, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed such assertions meaningless and misplaced, stating that his Government remains equally committed to balanced development across all regions.
He pointed out that the Government would not have restored the Darbar Move to Jammu if it did not intend to correct the wrongs done with Jammu and ensure equitable attention to its aspirations and needs.
The Chief Minister further emphasised that industries benefiting from the incentives and support provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Government must also contribute meaningfully to local employment generation.
