Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, DD, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the Finance Minister, presented the Union Territory’s Rs 1.12 lakh crore budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly.
Budget Overview
Total Budget: Rs 1,12,310 crore
Revenue Receipts: Rs 97,982 crore
Capital Receipts: Rs 14,328 crore
State’s Own Revenue: Rs 31,905 crore
Central Assistance: Rs 41,000 crore
Centrally Sponsored Schemes & PMDP: Rs 13,522 crore
Key Announcements
Free Ration: 10 kg per person per month for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries from April 1, 2025.
Enhanced Pensions:
Below 60 years: Rs 1,250 per month
60-80 years: Rs 1,500 per month
Above 80 years: Rs 2,000 per month
Marriage Assistance for AAY Girls: Increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
Women’s Welfare: Free ridership for all women on government-run public transport, including e-buses, starting April 1, 2025.
Power Subsidy: 200 units of free electricity per month for AAY families, integrated with PM Surya Ghar Bijli Yojana to promote solar energy and reduce electricity bills.
Property Reforms: Stamp duty on property transfers to blood relatives reduced to zero.
Education & Skill Development: Establishment of National Law University and J&K Skill and Entrepreneurship University.
The budget aims to enhance social welfare, boost infrastructure, and drive economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.(DD)
