Sachnews Jammu Kashmir
Srinagar, March 07: In a landmark announcement, Jammu & Kashmir’s government, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, has unveiled a progressive budget aimed at expanding social and financial inclusion. The budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 introduces key measures to strengthen food security, enhance tribal welfare, promote women's empowerment, and improve pension schemes for vulnerable populations.
Ensuring Food Security with Smart PDS
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to food security through a more efficient and transparent Public Distribution System (PDS). A ‘Smart PDS’ will be launched in 2025-26 to prevent leakages and improve service delivery. Furthermore, starting April 1, 2025, all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries will receive 10 kg of free ration per person, ensuring enhanced nutritional support. Fair price shops will also be assessed and upgraded to strengthen food distribution networks across Jammu & Kashmir.
Empowering Tribal Communities
Addressing long-standing socio-economic disparities, the government has introduced multiple initiatives for tribal welfare. Key measures include the construction of 25 new hostels, eight new hostel buildings, 285 smart schools, and six Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). Additionally, 2,000 tribal youth will benefit from skill development and professional coaching, while 46,000 students will receive scholarships.
Further plans for 2025-26 include the establishment of 100 more Smart Schools, 11 new EMRS, and 26 new ST/G&B hostels. Ten existing hostels will undergo modernization, with five nearing completion. Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, 393 villages will see comprehensive development focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities. The government will also provide 200 sheep units and establish 10 Milk Villages to support the nomadic community.
Expanding Support for Women’s Safety and Empowerment
To enhance safety and support for women, the government is set to establish five new Sakhi Niwas facilities in Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, Kathua, and Rajouri. These will provide secure accommodation for working women and those pursuing education or training. Additionally, 11 new Shakti Sadans will be set up in Anantnag, Bandipora, Budgam, Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Pulwama, Reasi, Ramban, Poonch, and Srinagar to offer shelter and rehabilitation for women in distress, including victims of trafficking.
Strengthening Child Welfare and Early Childhood Education
To provide better care for vulnerable children and mentally recovered individuals, the government plans to complete a Halfway Home in 2025-26. The budget also prioritizes early childhood education, with 547 Anganwadi Centers being upgraded into Saksham Anganwadi Centers and Bal Vidyalayas. Additional facilities, including three Palash buildings in Samba, Ramban, and Poonch and a new Vatsalya Sadan in Budgam, will be established to provide shelter and education for children.
Enhancing Pension Schemes for the Vulnerable
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by vulnerable populations, the government has proposed an increase in pension benefits under the Integrated Social Assistance Scheme (ISSS) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The revised pensions will be:
₹1,250 per month for individuals below 60 years of age.
₹1,500 per month for individuals aged between 60 and 80 years.
₹2,000 per month for individuals above 80 years.
This long-overdue revision will raise the total pension outlay from ₹1,209 crore to ₹1,755 crore per annum, addressing inflation and the rising cost of living.
Financial Empowerment of Women
The government is committed to strengthening financial security for women. The Ladli Beti scheme, which saw an expansion from 16,095 beneficiaries in 2017 to 1,61,552 in 2023-24, will continue its robust financial assistance, having already increased its budget from ₹24 crore to ₹847 crore.
In a landmark move, free public transport for women will be introduced from April 1, 2025, allowing women across Jammu & Kashmir to travel free on government-owned public transport, including eBuses. This initiative aims to improve access to education and employment while ensuring safe and affordable transportation for women.
To further support economically weaker sections, financial assistance under the Marriage Assistance Scheme will increase from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for girls from AAY households. The scheme’s implementation will be streamlined to ensure maximum reach and impact.
Boosting Women Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods
With over 7 lakh women participating in 90,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and 3 lakh women trained in farming, the government’s focus on economic empowerment is evident. Nearly 2 lakh agriculture nutrition gardens have been established to enhance household nutrition security. Under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, 40,000 women will receive support to launch micro-startups, helping them achieve a sustainable annual income of ₹1 lakh.
The budget presented by Omar Abdullah marks a comprehensive approach to social welfare and financial inclusion, ensuring that marginalized communities, women, and vulnerable populations receive the support they need. With a strong focus on food security, education, women’s safety, and economic empowerment, this budget sets the stage for a more equitable and prosperous Jammu & Kashmir.
Power Sector: Strengthening Infrastructure and Renewable Energy
The power sector remains a top priority, with the government aiming for energy self-sufficiency and 24x7 reliable electricity by 2027-28.
Hydropower Expansion
Jammu & Kashmir has a hydro potential of 20,000 MW, but only 3,400 MW has been harnessed. The government is accelerating development with projects like Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle, adding 3,000+ MW by 2027. Additional projects like Kirthai-I, Dulhasti-II, Bursar, Sawalkote, Uri-I Stage-II, Ujh, and Kirthai-II will contribute another 4,500 MW within a decade, transforming J&K into a power-exporting region. A new Hydropower Policy will attract private investment and boost sustainable energy growth.
Modernizing Power Distribution
Under the ₹12,922 crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), J&K is implementing smart metering, loss reduction, and network modernization. Key initiatives include:
Installation of 11,500 HVDS transformers
Conversion of 23,000 km of LT bare conductors to AB cables
Bifurcation of 2,750 km of feeders
Replacement of 8,000 transformers
Deployment of 14 lakh smart meters
The government has already achieved over 40% progress in loss reduction efforts, with projects on track for completion by 2026.
Advanced Power Infrastructure and Aesthetic Enhancements
Future plans include constructing new 33/11 kV substations, implementing smart grid projects, SCADA/DMS, GIS, RT-DAS, and EV charging infrastructure. Overhead electrical networks in Jammu and Srinagar will be converted to underground cabling to enhance aesthetic appeal.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
The government is prioritizing solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with rooftop solar installations across 22,494 government buildings (314 MW) set for completion by December 2025. Additional renewable energy projects include:
5,000 solar agriculture pumps under PM-KUSUM Yojana
7 small solar projects (32.25 MW) to be completed this year
Bridging Revenue Gaps and Free Electricity for the Vulnerable
The government is tackling the revenue shortfall in power distribution. While power costs ₹7 per unit, only ₹2.5 is recovered due to losses and inefficiencies. To bridge this gap, 100% smart metering and improved billing mechanisms will be implemented, aiming to reduce AT&C losses from 41% to 25% by 2025-26.
To support vulnerable families, 200 units of free electricity per month will be provided to all Antyodaya families under the PM Suryaghar Bijli Yojana, with an investment of ₹750 crore over five years.
Recognition for Efficiency in the Power Sector
The Chief Minister’s Awards will recognize efforts in reducing AT&C losses and conducting energy audits, promoting accountability and innovation.
Ensuring Safety and Supporting Linemen
Dedicated Linemen Huts will be built for power sector workers, with enhanced insurance coverage and the establishment of a Power Training Institute to support skill development.
Amarnath Yatra Security & Infrastructure
The government will ensure a smooth and secure Amarnath Yatra with improved pilgrim facilities and safety measures, recognizing its economic and cultural significance.
Budget Allocation for Power Sector
For 2025-26, the power sector has been allocated ₹2,021.37 crore under capital expenditure, marking an increase of ₹762.80 crore from the previous year’s allocation.
With these landmark initiatives, the government aims to create a more inclusive, economically robust, and energy-secure Jammu & Kashmir.
Boosting Employment and Skill Development
Recognizing unemployment as a pressing challenge, the government is expediting recruitment through JKPSC and SSB. Out of 10,616 positions referred, 7,376 notifications have been issued, and exams for 6,090 have been conducted. The process for compassionate appointments has also been fast-tracked, with 1,116 cases approved under SRO-43 and 150 under review.
To foster entrepreneurship, Mission Youth initiatives like Mumkin, Tejaswini, and Spurring Entrepreneur will be leveraged. A new program, Mission YUVA, aims to create 1,37,000 enterprises and 4,25,000 jobs over five years, making J&K a hub for startups and employment. This initiative will prioritize first-generation entrepreneurs, women, and youth from remote areas, offering credit support, subsidies, and digital platforms for AI-based training and business tracking.
For unorganized sector workers, over 34 lakh laborers have been registered on the e-Shram portal. A 24x7 helpline, "SHRAM MITRA," will be launched in Jammu and Srinagar for worker grievances. Additionally, labor laws, including the J&K Shops and Establishments Act, 1966, will be amended to align with Ease of Doing Business guidelines. Eligible e-Shram workers will also receive benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, and night shelters will be developed for migrant workers in remote areas.
The J&K Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board is enhancing worker welfare through educational aid, smart cards, and an online cess collection portal. Insurance schemes like PMJJBY and A-PMJAY will be extended, and new training institutions with residential facilities will be established.
To enhance structured skill development, 1 lakh youth will be trained over five years under PMKVY 4.0, PM Vishwakarma, and other schemes. The Udaan Scheme will be revived, benefiting youth with job opportunities, while 83 trade units have transitioned to NCVT, giving 1,800 students access to globally recognized National Trade Certificates.
The Food Craft Institute in Jammu will be upgraded to an Institute of Hotel Management, and 3,000 women in Self-Help Groups will be upskilled for financial stability. Additionally, 12 new-age courses in IoT, smart healthcare, solar electricians, and EV mechanics will be introduced to boost employability.
In a landmark initiative, the government proposes establishing the Jammu & Kashmir Skill and Entrepreneurship University (J&K SEU). This institution will focus on cutting-edge training in technology, healthcare, tourism, renewable energy, and traditional crafts, fostering innovation, startup incubation, and industry partnerships. Special attention will be given to marginalized communities, ensuring inclusive growth.
For labour, employment, and skill development, an allocation of ₹379.14 crore has been made under capital expenditure for 2025-26, which is ₹269.00 crore more than the revised allocation for 2024-25.