J&K gets Rs 41K cr Central assistance

The Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated Rs 41,000.07 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26, which was proposed by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament on Saturday.

According to the Budget documents, out of the total allocation, Rs 40,619.30 crore has been allocated as Central assistance to meet the resource gap in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rs 279 crore has been proposed in grant towards contribution to the Union Territory Disaster Response. Rs 101.77 crore has been granted for capital expenditure. This provision is to meet resource gap funding for infrastructure projects.

In the 2025-2026 Budget, Jammu and Kashmir has received less allocation as compared to 2024-2025 Budget. For the next fiscal, four components which haven't received any funds are grants to meet the expenditure on account of Jhelum Tavi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP); equity contribution for construction of 624 Kiru Hydroelectric Project ; to meet equity contribution for implementation of 800 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project and grant for 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project.

Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir Police —directly controlled by the Union Home Ministry since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of the erstwhile state — will receive Rs 9,325.73 crore, up from Rs 8,665.94 crore in 2024-25. Of the proposed amount, Rs 8897.72 crore has been earmarked for the revenue expenditure while Rs 428.01 crore is capital expenditure.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha called the Budget “pragmatic” and said it reflected India’s growing aspiration for accelerated growth and to stimulate the private sector.

However, the J&K Congress’ unit and and other Opposition parties called the Budget allocation “disappointing”.

LEADER SPEAK

BENEFICIAL FOR ALL

This Budget is aimed at lifting the spirits of the marginalised and boosting grassroots development. It reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to social welfare and inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits of economic progress reach every corner of the country, including J&K. — Altaf Thakur, J&K BJP spokesperson

NO RELIEF FOR TEMPORARY STAFF

The Budget does not address the enhancement of honorariums for Anganwadi workers, helpers, ASHA workers and other temporary employees. Nor does it provide special assistance to youth and women working on casual, ad hoc, or temporary basis in J&K. — Tariq Hameed Karra, J&K congRess chief

J&K ALLOCATION REDUCED

The proposed allocation to J&K in the Union Budget is approximately Rs 41,000 crore. It is about Rs 1,000 crore less than the previous allocation. When adjusted for inflation it is reduced by another Rs 2,000 to Rs 3000 crore. — SAJAD LONE, People’s Conference chief

PUNISHES COMMON MAN

Instead of addressing the economic challenges faced by our people, the NDA government has presented a Budget that punishes the common man while secretly consolidating power for Omar Abdullah. This is nothing short of a betrayal of public trust. — Inam Un Nabi, Awami Ittehad Party spokesperson

UNEMPLOYMENT NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT

Instead of providing more assistance to Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre has lowered the allocation compared to the actual Budget of 2024-25, without taking into account the high inflation, growing unemployment, distressed business and other vital sectors of livelihood. — MY Tarigami, CPM leader