JAMMU: For the second consecutive day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today held pre-budget consultations with several key departments to assess priorities, sectoral needs and development imperatives for the upcoming Budget Session of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on February 2.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, chaired extensive deliberations with the departments of Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, Public Works (Roads & Buildings), Mining, Industries & Commerce and Labour.

The meetings were attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare, School Education and Higher Education, Sakina Itoo.

The consultative meetings were also attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary PWD Anil Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary oFinance Santosh D. Vaidya, Administrative Secretaries of Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, Public Works (Roads & Buildings), Mining, Industries & Commerce and Labour, besides senior officers of the Finance Department and other concerned officials.

During the meetings, the Chief Minister reviewed sector-wise progress, ongoing projects, budget utilisation and future requirements. He emphasised the need for realistic and outcome-oriented budgeting, ensuring that public funds are directed towards priority sectors that directly impact the lives of the people.

Directing the departments to adopt a people-centric and performance-driven approach, the Chief Minister said that the upcoming budget must focus on strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure, expanding social security coverage, improving road connectivity, promoting industrial growth and generating employment opportunities for the youth.

He stressed that departments must ensure timely completion of projects, transparency in execution and efficient service delivery. “The budget should reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and must focus on inclusive growth, balanced regional development and sustainable economic progress,” the Chief Minister said.

He further directed the departments to submit well-structured and need-based proposals, aligned with the government’s development roadmap and fiscal discipline. Yesterday, the Chief Minister began pre-budget discussions with nine key departments. The consultative process will conclude on January 22 with the remaining departments. These pre-budget consultations are aimed at finalising a comprehensive, growth-oriented and people friendly budget for Jammu and Kashmir.

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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