CM Omar Abdullah presents JK's first budget in six years

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday presented the first budget of Jammu and Kashmir in six years and said it is a roadmap for economic growth and a true reflection of people's aspirations. Presenting the budget in the legislative assembly in Jammu, Abdullah, who holds the finance portfolio, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman for their support in various sectors.
"I am happy to present the budget for the first time as the finance minister of J&K." he started his budget speech with a Persian couplet. This is the first budget of the National Conference government after it came to power in October last year, ending six years of central rule. The last budget session took place in 2018 under the then PDP-BJP government in the erstwhile state of J&K, which was split into two union territories after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
While presenting the budget, Abdullah said, 200 units of free electricity per month to all Antyodaya families in Jammu & Kashmir and financial assistance under the Marriage Assistance Scheme will be increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for AAY category women. Giving boost to women empowerment the CM announed that from April 1, 2025,all women in the State will be granted free ridership on Govt owned public transport , including e Buses .Free ration of 10 kg per person to all AAY beneficiaries starting April 01 2025 , he said. The budget increased the allocation of education