Jammu, Feb 2: The Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly began on Monday, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha describing it as significant for reviewing achievements and charting a clear roadmap for the Union Territory’s future.
The 27-day-long session, spread over three months with double sittings, commenced with an address by the Lieutenant Governor. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the UT’s Budget for 2026–27 in the House on February 6.
“This session holds special significance as it offers an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey, review our achievements, and chart a clear roadmap for the future,” Sinha said, reaffirming the commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather sought cooperation from all members to ensure smooth conduct of the proceedings, saying all arrangements had been put in place for effective utilisation of time. He confirmed that the session would have double sittings.
Congress legislator Tariq Hameed Karra said the session would provide an opportunity to raise public issues, while BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said it was a chance to seek answers from the government on the implementation of the budget and election promises.
This will be the second Budget of the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government since it assumed office on October 16, 2024, ending nearly six years of central rule. The session will conclude on April 4 and will be held in three phases — the first before the start of Ramzan and the remaining two after Eid-ul-Fitr in March and April.
February will have 18 working days and will witness the presentation of the Budget for 2026–27 along with the Supplementary Statement of Expenditure for 2025–26. March and April will have five and four working days, respectively.
Opposition parties, including the BJP, PDP and Congress, are expected to corner the government over poll promises and implementation of last year’s budget, with issues such as regularisation of daily wagers, demolition drives and alleged discrimination likely to dominate the proceedings, officials said.
