SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today passed grants amounting to Rs 59,431.23 lakh for the General Administration Department (GAD), Rs 56,009.69 lakh for Planning, Rs 14,183.38 lakh for Information, Rs 12,47,727.65 lakh for the Power Development Department (PDD), Rs 62,70,347.94 lakh for Finance, Rs 7,083.77 lakh for Parliamentary Affairs, Rs 76,284.53 lakh for the Law Department (excluding the Election Department), Rs 81,073.94 lakh for Revenue, Rs 4,06,130.30 lakh for Housing & Urban Development (H&UDD), Rs 61,280.18 lakh for Tourism, Rs 46,683.86 lakh for Hospitality, Protocol & Estates, Rs 20,459.31 lakh for Culture, and Rs 1,96,369.04 lakh for Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRRR). The grants were passed following three days of extensive discussions in the House.Chief Minister Omar Abdullah began his speech with a Kashmiri proverb: “Vandi txalli, sheen gallie, bai yee bahaar” (Winter will pass, the snow will melt, and spring will come again). Responding to discussions on the Demands for Grants, the Chief Minister acknowledged concerns raised by members and emphasised the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.On Equality and Legal Changes
Addressing concerns regarding legal changes in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that the demand for equality with other states remains an ongoing issue. He refuted allegations that his government had disrespected the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh and clarified that changes in state subject laws and legal codes were not initiated by his administration.
“The laws governing state subjects were not altered by us but by others. Before 2019, you practised under the Ranbir Penal Code, named after Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Today, you follow a different law. Who, then, changed history?” he questioned.On Economic Development and Employment
The Chief Minister highlighted employment challenges, stating that job opportunities for locals must be ensured outside the region as well. He drew comparisons with other states, asserting that while workers from Haryana could work in Jammu and Kashmir, similar opportunities should be available for local youth in states like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
He also addressed industrial policies, noting that while Himachal Pradesh had strict regulations that limited outside investments, Jammu and Kashmir had fewer such restrictions, making industrial expansion more feasible.
Urban Development and Infrastructure
Speaking on urban infrastructure, the Chief Minister acknowledged challenges in the implementation of Smart City projects. He pointed out issues such as people walking on roads despite dedicated footpaths, motorcycles occupying cycle tracks, and multi-level parking facilities remaining underutilised.
“We cannot simply build infrastructure; there must be a collective shift in mindset,” he said, emphasising the need for planned residential townships to reduce urban congestion.
He also reiterated that efforts to develop New Srinagar and New Jammu were not aimed at settling outsiders but at preventing urban decay and ensuring sustainable development.
Disaster Management and Cultural Preservation
On disaster management and relief efforts, the Chief Minister assured the House that the government was committed to providing proper rehabilitation and housing for displaced communities.
He also spoke on cultural preservation, highlighting the ongoing restoration of 33 heritage sites across Jammu and Kashmir with a budget of Rs 65 crore. He added that plans were in place to restore 73 additional sites at an estimated cost of Rs 170 crore, stressing that preserving cultural heritage was essential for maintaining the region’s identity.Hospitality, Protocol & State Infrastructure
The Chief Minister addressed concerns over government expenditure on state guests, stating that such expenses had been standard practice across successive administrations. While he refrained from detailing the exact spending, he assured the House that efforts were being made to optimise existing assets.
On the issue of lost properties following the reorganisation of J&K and Ladakh, he admitted that some properties could not be reclaimed but stressed the need to make effective use of those that remained. He cited the conversion of the structure in Sector 17, Chandigarh, into a state guest house at a cost of Rs 13 crore, which would cater to public representatives, patients, and students.
He also stressed the importance of vertical expansion in government infrastructure due to space constraints and assured that alternative accommodations for government officials were being planned.Government Accommodation & Discipline in Allotment
The Chief Minister acknowledged the shortage of government accommodations, forcing some MLAs and ministers to seek private housing. At the same time, he pointed out the issue of unauthorised occupation of government properties, stating that some individuals exceeded their entitlement, while others who had no entitlement refused to vacate.
He assured the House that steps were being taken to enforce discipline in government housing allotments.
Aviation & Mismanagement of State Aircraft
Responding to queries regarding government spending on chartered planes, the Chief Minister revealed that Rs 15 crore had been spent on chartered flights over three years.
He also criticised the mismanagement of the state aircraft, which had been abandoned at Jammu Airport for five years, exposed to weather conditions. He termed this neglect an unnecessary and avoidable waste and stressed the need for better management of public assets.Tourism Development & Infrastructure Expansion
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of robust tourism infrastructure to fully exploit J&K’s potential. He stated that many MLAs had requested gondolas for their constituencies but cautioned that merely installing them would not guarantee an increase in tourism.
He also proposed the development of religious tourism circuits to improve connectivity between pilgrimage sites, inviting MLAs to contribute insights into local religious sites for inclusion in the initiative.
Additionally, he acknowledged suggestions to promote agri-tourism, particularly in regions known for Basmati rice cultivation, and assured cooperation on this front.
Media Advertisements & Transparency
Addressing concerns regarding government advertisement distribution, the Chief Minister assured that the process would remain transparent and fair.
He stated that newspapers relying solely on government advertisements could not function as independent media, emphasising that while the government would continue supporting media houses, it would discourage the proliferation of publications that existed merely to publish government press releases.
He also confirmed that the Srinagar Press Club would be re-established, with a fair election to be held for its governing body.
Power Amnesty & Consumer Responsibility
Announcing the extension of the power amnesty scheme, the Chief Minister stressed that frequent waivers were unfair to regular bill payers.
“We have given amnesty multiple times, but we must not continue this indefinitely. It is unfair to those who pay regularly,” he said.
He proposed a new incentive-based scheme that would offer relief on outstanding dues based on future payments, encouraging consumers to adopt timely bill payment habits.
Legislators’ Salaries & MLA Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
The Chief Minister addressed concerns over MLAs’ salaries, noting that they had not been revised in a decade. He proposed the formation of a committee to review salary revisions, following a structured model similar to parliamentary procedures.
Regarding the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), he announced that the allocation would be increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 4 crore per MLA, addressing demands for greater funding for local projects.
e-Governance & Judicial Reforms
Highlighting e-Governance initiatives, the Chief Minister commended the successful implementation of e-office systems, which have enhanced efficiency in government operations.
He also stressed the need to integrate video conferencing into High Courtproceedings, ensuring that virtual hearings remain a permanent feature for judicial accessibility.
Following detailed discussions, legislators across party lines withdrew their cut motions, allowing the passage of grants. The Assembly approved budgetary allocations for crucial departments, setting the financial framework for governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
With renewed pledges for economic growth, infrastructure development, tourism promotion, and governance reforms, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured the House of his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Social Plugin