J-K CM announces 200 units of free electricity for AAY families, free rides to women in govt buses
200 units of free electricity for AAY households announced
10 kg additional ration per person for AAY beneficiaries from April 2025
Pensions enhanced for over 10 lakh vulnerable persons in J&K
Marriage Assistance for EWS girls increased from 50,000 to 75,000
Free ridership for women in J&K on Govt owned transport including e-buses
Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Mar 07:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presented a zero-deficit budget in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, announcing an outlay of Rs 1.12 lakh crore for 2025-2026 and emphasising multi-sector welfare and development of the Union Territory.
Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio in the National Conference-led government, presented his maiden budget in the legislative assembly.
Jammu and Kashmir, which was accorded the Union Territory status after Ladakh was carved out as a separate UT in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, has witnessed its first annual budget since 2018 when the erstwhile PDP-BJP government tabled the then state’s document of annual finances.
Amid thunderous applause, Abdullah began his speech with a Persian couplet and said, “I stand before you today to present my first budget as Finance Minister, marking the first budget of a collective government in seven years. While it is an honour, I am acutely aware of the weight of responsibility that comes with being the custodian of J&K’s finances at this crucial juncture.”
He said that it is a road map for a new and prosperous J&K, reflecting the aspirations of our people and laying a strong foundation for economic growth, social progress and sustainable development.
“The total net budget estimates for fiscal 2025-26 are Rs 1,12,310 crore, excluding provisions for ways and means advances and overdrafts,” Abdullah said.
With a focus on a zero-deficit budget, he said: “The expected revenue receipts are Rs 97,982 crore and capital receipts are Rs 14,328 crore. Similarly, revenue expenditure is estimated to be Rs 79,703 crore and capital expenditure Rs 32,607 crore.”
Detailing the estimates, he said gross receipts are estimated at Rs 1,40,309.99 crore, including provisions for an overdraft of Rs 28,000 crore.
“Given these receipts, total gross expenditure is estimated to be Rs 1,40,309.99 crore,” he added.
Abdullah highlighted that the Union Territory’s own revenues, both tax and non-tax, are estimated at Rs 31,905 crore.
“Additionally, Rs 41,000 crore is expected as central assistance and Rs 13,522 crore as CSS and PMDP for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
Revealing fiscal indicators, he projected the tax-GDP ratio at 7.5 per cent for 2025-26.
The budget has estimated the fiscal deficit for 2025-26 it to be at 3.0 per cent of the Union Territory’s GDP.
“This is substantially lower than the 5.5 per cent in 2024-25 (RE),” he added.
The GDP for 2025-26 is projected at Rs 2,884,22 crore, reflecting a growth of 9.5 per cent over the previous year, he added.
Abdullah emphasized that the budget prioritises inclusive growth, fiscal prudence, and strategic investments
CM Omar Abdullah
in infrastructure, agriculture, industry, healthcare, education, and digital governance. “We aim to bridge regional disparities, empower youth and women, and foster a business-friendly environment to attract investment and innovation,” he said.
To ensure this budget truly reflects the aspirations of our people, he said, “we engaged with elected representatives, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, incorporating their insights to create a people-centric roadmap for a better quality of life for all”.
The chief minister further said that the government has set new standards of engagement with people’s representatives and taking feedback by directly involving each member of the house in the budget consultation process.
Abdullah expressed confidence that Jammu & Kashmir is on the threshold of a new era of peace and prosperity, with a semblance of normalcy returning after over three-and-a-half decades of turmoil.
“This improved environment contributes to economic progress, with J&K’s economy expanding from Rs 1,64,103 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 2,45,022 crore in 2023-24. In 2024-25, the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors are projected to contribute 20 per cent, 18.30 per cent, and 61.70 per cent to GSVA, respectively.”
“It is a testament to the strong foundations laid by the leadership of J&K that despite its geographical challenges and multi-decade turmoil, socio-economic indicators continue to remain robust,” he said.
The chief minister further expressed confidence that J&K will emerge as a leading region in development, playing a vital role in India’s vision of development by 2047.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday announced 200 units of free electricity for AAY families in Jammu and Kashmir.
The CM also announced free ridership for all women of J&K in Government-owned public transport including e-buses on the eve of International Women’s Day.
The announcement was made by him while presenting J&K Budget 2025-26 in the J & K Legislative Assembly.
He also announced 200 free units of electricity for all AAY houses, keeping a promise made in the NC manifesto.
In August last year Omar, who is also National Conference (NC) Vice President, promised 200 units of free power if his party is voted to power.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir aims to achieve self-sufficiency in power generation in next two years, ensuring a reliable electricity supply, and that the government was committed to offering 200 units of free electricity.
Responding to a question from National Conference MLA Shamima Firdous, the Chief Minister, who also holds the charge of Power portfolio said, in a written reply, that in collaboration with NHPC, JKSPDC has formed joint ventures such as CVPPL and RHPCL to implement various projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
When asked whether the government provides 200 units of free electricity to consumers and what steps have been taken in this regard, the government responded saying, “the necessary steps will be outlined during the demand for grants for the sector.”
In its poll manifesto, NC had also said that the “ women shall be entitled to travel free in all public transport.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today presented his first Budget for Jammu and Kashmir, outlining a series of pro-people initiatives and governance reforms.
Beginning his speech, the Chief Minister stated, “With great humility and a profound sense of duty, I stand before you today to present my first budget as Finance Minister—marking the first Budget of an elected government in seven years. While it is an honour, I am acutely aware of the weight of responsibility that comes with being the custodian of Jammu and Kashmir’s finances at this crucial juncture. This budget is more than just a financial statement—it is a roadmap for a new and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the aspirations of our people and laying a strong foundation for economic growth, social progress and sustainable development.”
The budget focuses on social welfare, infrastructure development and financial stability. In his budget speech, CM stated that J&K’s economy is projected to grow at 9.5% in 2025-26, with major investments in infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and industry. On governance and fiscal reforms, CM outlined the priorities of the government to bring in fiscal discipline and reforms to reduce reliance on central grants, improve revenue collection, and ensure financial stability. He said J&K is leading in digital governance with 1,166 online government services on the e-Unnat portal and having a real-time grievance redressal mechanism through JK SAMADHAN&RAABITA platforms.
Free Electricity for AAY Households
Fulfilling a major poll promise, the Chief Minister announced 200 units of free electricity per month for all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households in Jammu and Kashmir. Integrated with the PM SuryagharBijli Yojana, this initiative will facilitate the installation of grid-connected solar systems, ensuring energy security for the most vulnerable sections of society while eliminating electricity bills.
“With an investment of ₹750 crore over five years, this step will reduce AT&C losses and promote sustainable energy. I urge this august House to support this transformative move towards a greener, more inclusive, and self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Additionally, the chief minister stated, the government will construct dedicated Linemen huts and provide essential facilities for thousands of power sector workers who operate in extreme conditions. A Training Institute will also be established to enhance skills and train the technical support staff of power development department to ensure they are fully equipped with the technical skills.
For 2025-26, the Power Sector has been allocated ₹2,021.37 crore under capital expenditure, marking an increase of ₹762.80 crore from the revised allocation of 2024-25, he informed the House.
10 kg Free Ration for AAY Households
As an additional measure of social security, the Chief Minister announced that all AAY beneficiaries will receive 10 kg of free ration per person per month starting April 1, 2025. This initiative will ensure enhanced nutritional support for vulnerable families.
“Our government is committed to strengthening food security through a robust and efficient Public Distribution System (PDS). Smart PDS will be implemented in 2025-26 to enhance service delivery, prevent leakages, and ensure fair and transparent distribution of essential commodities across Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Free bus rides for women in J&K
Marking International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister announced that women across Jammu and Kashmir will enjoy free ridership on government-owned public transport, including e-Buses, starting April 2025.
Marriage Assistance enhanced
In a significant relief for economically weaker sections, the Marriage Assistance under the Scheme for EWS category girls has been enhanced from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.
Pension Enhancements for vulnerable sections
Fulfilling another commitment, the Chief Minister increased pensions for 10,07,324 individuals across J&K under the Integrated Social Assistance Scheme (ISSS) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The revised pension structure is ₹1,250 per month for individuals below 60 years; ₹1,500 per month for those aged between 60 and below 80 years and ₹2,000 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
Stamp duty exemption for property transfers within blood relations
The Chief Minister announced a complete exemption of stamp duty on property transfers through gifts within blood relations. The move will promote ease of transactions, reduce inheritance disputes and encourage legal documentation of property transfers.
Sectoral Allocations and Development Initiatives
• Agriculture & Allied Sectors: ₹2,221.58 crore allocated, an increase of ₹332.72 crore from the revised 2024-25 allocation.
• Rural Development: ₹3,773.93 crore allocated, an increase of ₹990.04 crore from the revised 2024-25 allocation.
• Tourism: ₹390.20 crore allocated, an increase of ₹121.77 crore.
• Industries: ₹602.85 crore allocated, an increase of ₹291.44 crore.
• Health & Medical Sector: ₹1,750.50 crore allocated, an increase of ₹643.71 crore. The SEHAT App will soon be launched to improve healthcare accessibility.
• Education Sector: ₹1,388.97 crore allocated, an increase of ₹242.75 crore.
• Sports Sector: ₹152.69 crore allocated, an increase of ₹36.91 crore.
• Roads & Bridges: ₹4,062.93 crore allocated, an increase of ₹439.28 crore.
• Irrigation & Water Supply: ₹2,662.71 crore allocated, an increase of ₹817.87 crore.
• Housing & Urban Development: ₹2,761.74 crore allocated, an increase of ₹823.53 crore.
Giving details of budgetary proposals in various sectors, CM said that in power sector, J&K shall aim to achieve self sufficiency in power & energy by 2027-28 with 7,500 MW new hydro projects & smart grid investments to ensure 24/7 power supply.
To further improve power efficiency, the Chief Minister’s Awards will be instituted to recognize outstanding efforts in reducing Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses and conducting energy audits.
Highlighting that major highways and tunnels were under execution, and rail connectivity via USBRL project was progressing rapidly, CM said that the budget has proposed 4,000 km of roads to be blacktopped in 2025-26 to improve connectivity across J&K.
CM said that Agriculture and allied sectors are crucial for the livelihoods of most of our population and Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) has an outlay of Rs 5013 crore until 2027-28 which is reshaping subsistence farming into commercial agri-economy.
On Industrial Development, CM said that J&K currently has 64 Industrial Estates and 46 more are under development and Government is committed to ensure infrastructure development in these estates. He said that Government is streamlining SGST reimbursement and turnover incentives. He said to strengthen industry collaboration, Government would constitute an Advisory Committee on Industries, ensuring regular engagement with businesses. CM proposed Rs 50 crore this year to support financial aid, mentorship and incubation for emerging entrepreneurs, He said that Government will bring a new policy to provide price preference to local MSMEs in public procurement
In tourism sector, CM said new master plans shall be prepared for major tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. J&K’s first National Water Sports Centre at Dal Lake & Basohli shall be established. A water park at Dwara village near Sidra Golf Course under PPP model shall be developed in Jammu.The budget proposes to constitute a multi-stakeholder Advisory committee in Tourism & Hospitality sector.
CM said that Mission YUVA would be launched in next financial year aiming to create 1,37,000 enterprises and to create 4.25 lakh jobs over five years through startups, MSMEs & skilling programs. The budget has proposed establishment of Jammu & Kashmir Skill & Entrepreneurship University (J&K SEU) to provide cutting-edge training in technology, healthcare, tourism, renewable energy & traditional crafts. To support structured skill development, one lakh youth shall be trained over 5 years under PMKVY 4.0, PM Vishwakarma and other schemes besides reviving the Udaan Scheme. Special focus shall be given on first-generation entrepreneurs, women & youth from remote areas through credit support & market linkage
CM said that his Government was committed to construct state-of the-art Legislative complex in Jammu and an allocation of Rs 50 crore has been proposed in this budget for FY 2025-26. He said that provision of Rs 50 crore has been proposed in this budget to establish a National Law University in J&K and that Rs 125 crore has been apportioned for state-of the art judicial infrastructure across J&K.
Under the disaster management, CM stated that Rs. 39 crore Disaster Mitigation Fund has been proposed in the budget for flood & landslide protection, and GLOF monitoring systems for climate resilience.
Concluding his Budget speech, the chief minister commended the Budget for the financial year 2025-26 of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to Legislative Assembly for consideration.
Later, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also presented the Supplementary Statement of Expenditure for the year 2024-2025 before the House.
