Jammu, February 6: The Jammu and Kashmir budget has ignited a flurry of reactions from political leaders, with eyes fixed on its potential to deliver for youth, farmers, and overall development. As discussions heat up, expectations clash with skepticism in the region’s political corridors.
PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para expressed optimism, viewing the budget as a healing balm for the wounds of Jammu and Kashmir’s people. He stressed the urgent need for new opportunities for the youth and resolution of long-pending issues like unemployment allowances and farmers’ daily wages, stalled for over a year. ‘We are hopeful this will address these critical gaps,’ Para said.
BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa offered a measured response, acknowledging high public expectations over the past 18 months that remain unmet. Even from the opposition, he cautioned that true assessment awaits detailed provisions. Randhawa particularly emphasized allocations for the Jammu region, signaling close scrutiny ahead.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma praised the central budget’s extra Rs 2,000 crore allocation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as a generous move. Yet, he criticized the J&K government’s implementation track record, noting unfulfilled promises from last year’s schemes announced by Omar Abdullah. ‘Ground-level impact seems unlikely,’ Sharma remarked.
Congress MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhatt called for a ‘vibrant budget’ boosting productive sectors, job creation, and tourism infrastructure. His vision underscores a call for tangible steps to revitalize the economy.
As the budget unfolds, stakeholders await concrete measures that could reshape Jammu and Kashmir’s future, balancing aspirations with accountability in a region craving stability and growth.