Srinagar, Feb 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved grants for 13 departments totaling ₹1,86,725.86 crore, along with 19 supplementary grants worth ₹3,52,341.28 lakh, following two days of detailed discussion.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted key priorities, including the regularisation of daily-rated, temporary, seasonal, and ad hoc workers. He assured that a committee under the Chief Secretary is preparing a legally and financially sustainable framework, with phased implementation expected this year.
The Chief Minister also addressed recruitment, noting around 30,000 vacant posts will be filled through transparent processes in coordination with the Service Selection Board and Public Service Commission. He distinguished between newly created posts and appointments, emphasizing ongoing efforts to generate employment without misrepresentation.
On finances, Abdullah acknowledged that 75% of J&K’s expenditure relies on central assistance, with only 25% from local revenue. He detailed improved budget management, cessation of off-budget borrowing, and enhanced disbursement of employee retirement benefits, including GPF, gratuity, commutation, and leave salaries.
The Chief Minister stressed climate budgeting, with a dedicated fund for mitigation, and outlined initiatives to expand tourism, including the Jammu Riverfront and reopening of key destinations such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg. He highlighted power as both a challenge and opportunity, noting J&K’s 18,000 MW potential and plans to add 3,000–3,500 MW in the next 2–3 years.
Abdullah also assured action on encroachments, completion of mini-secretariats, resolution of lease and land issues, and further transparency in Information Department operations, including rationalisation of advertisements.
The session concluded with MLAs withdrawing over 500 cut motions after the Chief Minister assured that all concerns would be addressed.
This budget marks a focus on governance reform, financial transparency, infrastructure development, and employment generation, with particular attention to long-standing issues faced by daily-wage and temporary workers.