The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is set to commence its crucial budget session on February 2, 2026, in the winter capital of Jammu. The session will begin with an official address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to the legislative assembly.
Session Schedule and Gubernatorial Address
In a formal notification issued late on Saturday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha summoned the legislative assembly to meet at 10:00 AM on the specified date. This action was taken under the powers granted by Section 18(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This will mark LG Sinha's third address to the J&K assembly. His first was on November 4, 2024, during a short session in Srinagar following the elections. The second address occurred on March 3, 2025, inaugurating the first budget session of the current National Conference government.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's Budget Presentation
Following the LG's address, the focus will shift to the state's finances. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the portfolio of the Finance Department in the National Conference-led government, will present the budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 later during the session. This will be CM Abdullah's second budget presentation. He presented his first budget on March 7, 2025, for the 2025-26 financial year.
Preparations and High-Level Discussions
Significant groundwork for the budget is already underway. The finance department, led by CM Omar Abdullah, has initiated a series of internal budgetary meetings within the government. Furthermore, high-level discussions are being held at various stages, including engagements with the Union Finance Ministry in New Delhi, to finalize the financial plan for the Union Territory.
The upcoming session is poised to outline the government's financial priorities and policy direction for the coming year, against the backdrop of the region's ongoing development and administrative framework.
