SRINAGAR: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Friday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government’s handling of budgetary commitments, alleging that several key announcements made in previous budget speeches have failed to translate into action on the ground.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the presentation of the budget, Sharma said that while the Central Government had ensured adequate financial support for Jammu and Kashmir, the elected government had failed to deliver on its promises to the people.
Referring to the Union Budget 2026–27 presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Sharma said additional funds had been allocated for the region and that there was “no shortage of money” for Jammu and Kashmir. He added that allocations under centrally sponsored schemes had increased, but accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of failing to utilise these funds effectively, resulting in significant portions of the budget lapsing.
“The money that was meant to be spent has not been spent on the ground. Maximum funds have lapsed, and the expenditure that should have happened simply did not take place,” Sharma said.
He pointed to several assurances made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in last year’s budget speech, including the formation of a committee for daily wage workers, the provision of 200 units of free electricity to eligible families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), free transport for women, and relief measures linked to rising fuel prices. Sharma said none of these announcements had been implemented on the ground.
Highlighting the long-pending issue of daily wage workers, Sharma said the matter had remained unresolved despite repeated assurances. “Many daily wagers have retired, and some have even passed away while waiting for a solution. If nothing is announced for them in today’s budget, the BJP will continue to fight for their rights and justice,” he said.
Sharma also spoke about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s ongoing two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as significant for development and security. He said high-level meetings were scheduled to review centrally sponsored schemes, central assistance projects and overall administrative performance.
He said the visit would also include security review meetings and inspections of border areas to further strengthen border management and anti-terror operations, particularly in Jammu.
On the issue of Border Defence Guards (BDGs), Sharma said he had received a memorandum from their representatives and termed their demands legitimate. He said he would raise the issue with the Union Home Minister and seek a resolution for unpaid BDGs, similar to steps taken by the Centre in the past.
