SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly is significant as it provides an opportunity to assess the collective journey of the Union Territory and review key achievements.
The 27-day-long session, spread over three months with double sittings, began with an address by the Lieutenant Governor. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, is scheduled to present the Union Territory’s budget in the Assembly on February 6.
In his address, Sinha said the session allows legislators to reflect on achievements, outline future priorities and reaffirm their shared commitment to meeting the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather urged members to cooperate in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House for the benefit of the public. He said all arrangements for the session have been completed, adding that proceedings will be held in double sittings.
Congress legislator Tariq Hameed Karra said the session offers an opportunity to raise public issues, while BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said it would allow members to seek accountability from the government on the implementation of budget provisions and poll promises.
This will be the second budget of the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government since it assumed office on October 16, 2024, bringing an end to nearly six years of central rule.
The Budget 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. Ramzan is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, subject to moon sighting.
February will have 18 working days and will see the presentation of the budget for the 2026–27 financial year, along with the Supplementary Statement of Expenditure for 2025–26, on February 6. March and April will have five and four working days respectively.
Opposition parties, including the BJP, PDP and Congress, are expected to question the government on the fulfilment of poll promises and the implementation of last year’s budget. The session is likely to witness heated debates, with issues such as regularisation of daily wagers, demolition drives and alleged discrimination expected to dominate the proceedings, officials said.
