Jammu and Kashmir Pre-Budget Consultations Yield Key Proposals for Upcoming Budget Session
Srinagar has become the focal point for significant budgetary discussions as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah engaged in comprehensive pre-budget consultations with legislators and civil society representatives. These discussions, held ahead of the legislative assembly's budget session commencing on February 2 in Jammu, have produced several noteworthy proposals aimed at addressing critical regional challenges.
Climate Change Fund Proposal Gains Momentum
During Saturday's consultation in Srinagar, CPI(M) legislator from Kulgam, M Y Tarigami, strongly advocated for the inclusion of a dedicated climate change fund in this year's budget. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has been experiencing severe climate impacts in recent years, including devastating flash floods, prolonged droughts, and extended dry spells that have disrupted agricultural patterns and water availability.
"A substantial portion of our population suffers from climate-related disasters," Tarigami stated during the discussions. "We are witnessing climate migrations where people are forced to abandon their ancestral villages and resettle elsewhere due to environmental degradation and extreme weather events."
The legislator insisted that climate risk assessment must be systematically integrated into all financial planning and development policies to create more resilient communities. According to participants, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded positively to this proposal, recognizing the urgency of addressing climate vulnerabilities in the region.
Cancer Institute Proposal Addresses Healthcare Crisis
PDP legislator Waheed Parra presented a compelling case for establishing a dedicated cancer institute in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the alarming rise in cancer cases across the region. Parra revealed that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people die annually from cancer-related diseases in Jammu and Kashmir, creating a healthcare crisis that demands immediate attention.
"The statistics are sobering," Parra explained. "Cancer has claimed approximately 67,000 lives in just five years, a death toll equivalent to what the conflict has caused over three decades. These are often invisible battles that devastate families, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who must sell land and assets to seek treatment outside the region due to inadequate local healthcare capacity."
The proposed cancer institute would aim to provide comprehensive cancer care within Jammu and Kashmir, reducing the financial burden on families and improving treatment accessibility for all residents.
Agricultural Infrastructure and Urban Planning Concerns
National Conference legislator Farooq Ahmad Shah, representing the Gulmarg–Tangmarg constituency, emphasized Kashmir's untapped potential in dairy farming and horticulture, sectors that could significantly boost the regional economy beyond tourism. He proposed budgetary allocations for establishing cold storage facilities and food-processing units that would help farmers preserve produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and create value-added products for broader markets.
Separately, a group of citizens meeting with the Chief Minister raised concerns about new building regulations, urging the government to ensure that any revisions to building controls align with statutory development plans while considering the ecological carrying capacity and existing infrastructure limitations of cities and towns across Jammu and Kashmir.
These diverse proposals reflect the multifaceted challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir as the government prepares its annual budget. The February 2 legislative session will determine which of these recommendations receive formal consideration and funding allocation in the final budget document.
