J&K CM Omar Abdullah presents Budget for first time in seven years — Key highlights

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday (March 7) presented the first Budget of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the legislative Assembly. The Budget presented for the first time in the last seven years covered issues from providing free electricity to the most vulnerable to boosting mobility for women to bolstering press freedom. Abdullah emphasised that the region is on the path to lasting peace. He also said the Budget focus was on empowering youth and women, addressing regional disparities, and striving for restoration of statehood.

The budget includes an allocation of ₹815 crore for agriculture, to generate 2.88 lakh jobs. The Chief Minister mentioned that the state’s GST compliance has increased and expressed commitment to aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Budget allocation sector-wise:

1) Agriculture and allied sector: For the year 2025-26, an allocation of ₹2,221.58 crore has been made under capital expenditure for agriculture and allied sectors, marking an increase of ₹332.72 crore over the revised allocation of 2024-25. This enhanced funding will support key initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector and boosting farmers’ incomes.

2) Rural Economy: The sector has been allocated ₹3,773.93 crore under capital expenditure for 2025-26, an increase of ₹990.04 crore from the revised 2024-25 allocation.

3) Tourism: The government has allocated ₹390.20 crore under capital expenditure for 2025-26, an increase of ₹121.77 crore over the revised allocation for 2024-25. This enhanced investment will drive infrastructure development, sustainability initiatives, and new tourism projects, reinforcing Jammu & Kashmir’s position as a leading global destination.

4) Industries: For the industries Sector, a capital expenditure allocation of ₹602.85 crore has been made for 2025-26, reflecting an increase of ₹291.44 crore over the revised allocation for 2024-25, reinforcing our commitment to industrial growth and development in the Union Territory.

5) Healthcare: The sector has been allocated ₹1,750.50 crore under capital expenditure for 2025-26, reflecting an increase of ₹643.71 crore from the revised allocation of 2024-25. This investment aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand medical education, enhance diagnostic facilities, and improve accessibility to quality healthcare services across Jammu and Kashmir.

6) Education: For the school and higher education sectors, a capital expenditure allocation of ₹1,388.97 crore has been made for 2025-26, reflecting an increase of ₹242.75 crore over the revised allocation of 2024-25.

7) Sports: A capital expenditure allocation of ₹152.69 crore has been made for 2025-26, an increase of ₹36.91 crore from the revised allocation of 2024-25.

8) Employment: For labour, employment and skill Development, an allocation of about Rs 379.14 crore has been made under capital expenditure for the year 2025-26 which is ₹269 crore more than revised allocation of 2024-25.