Jammu, Jan 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday concluded the pre-budget consultation process with public representatives from eight districts of the Jammu division, reaffirming his government’s commitment to an inclusive and participatory approach to budget formulation aimed at the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Thanking Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) for their inputs, the Chief Minister said the consultations were not a formality but a crucial exercise to understand grassroots needs and local priorities.
“These meetings are not meant to be a formality. If they were, I would not have called you. After listening to you, we gain perspectives and ideas that we may not have otherwise considered,” Omar Abdullah said.
He emphasised that all stakeholders share a common objective—development of Jammu and Kashmir. “If you benefit from the budget, Jammu and Kashmir benefits. That is our shared goal,” he added.
The Chief Minister assured the MLAs that all suggestions, written submissions and demands had been carefully noted. He said the pre-budget consultation process, initiated last year, was being continued to strengthen participatory governance.
“Every minister receives a report of these consultations so that feasible suggestions are incorporated while finalising departmental priorities. Other issues are taken up during budget debates, grants and cut motions,” he explained.
Omar Abdullah said priorities would be adjusted across various funding avenues, including UT Capex, district plans, SASCI and centrally sponsored schemes. While acknowledging budgetary constraints, he assured that priority works initiated last year would be completed.
Referring to losses caused by snow, floods and heavy rainfall, the Chief Minister stressed the judicious utilisation of the Rs 1,430 crore relief package for restoration and repair of affected areas.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, and senior officers of the administration.
MLAs from Udhampur, Kathua, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar and Doda participated in the consultations. They raised demands related to road infrastructure, healthcare, education, sports facilities, drinking water supply, tourism development and strengthening of basic civic amenities in both urban and rural areas.
The MLAs appreciated the government’s initiative, describing the consultation process as a meaningful step towards incorporating grassroots perspectives into the budget framework.