J&K LG Addresses Legislative Assembly As Budget Session Commences; Full Speech Here

Hon’ble Speaker,

Hon’ble Members of this August House,

1. It is my privilege to address this august House at the commencement of the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly. This Session holds special significance, as it offers an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey, review our achievements, and chart a clear roadmap for the future. It also provides a moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

For me, this occasion represents not merely an accounting of resources or outcomes, but a reflection of our vision for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Jammu and Kashmir. I extend my sincere gratitude to every citizen contributing to this transformation—our farmers, workers, artisans, youth, women, entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare professionals, security personnel, and public servants. Their dedication and perseverance constitute the bedrock of our progress.

2. The past year marks a significant milestone in the democratic journey of Jammu and Kashmir with the formation of an elected Government after a gap of several years. This transition to popular governance has strengthened public faith in democratic institutions. My Government has focused on restoring participatory governance, rebuilding public confidence, and ensuring that the voice of every region and community finds expression in policymaking.

3. The development trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir continues to be guided by the foundational principles of Economy, Ecology, and Equity. These principles are not merely aspirational, but serve as the guiding framework for policy formulation and implementation. While notable progress has been achieved across sectors, the Government remains conscious of the need for sustained and focused efforts to ensure balanced, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable development.

4. Good governance continues to be the cornerstone of the Government’s development strategy in Jammu and Kashmir. Sustained reforms in transparency, accountability, digital governance, and citizen-centric service delivery have significantly strengthened public trust and institutional efficiency. Digital transformation has imparted new momentum to development and reinforced corruption-free governance, with over 1,500 public services available online and 391 services integrated with the auto-appeal system to ensure timely delivery.

5. During the last year, the Government has placed renewed emphasis on responsive and people-centric administration. Regular public grievance redressal meetings at the Chief Minister’s Outreach Office and the strengthening of the JK Samadhan portal have ensured that governance reaches the doorstep of citizens. Thousands of grievances have been resolved through time-bound interventions, reinforcing trust between the Government and the people.

6. During the previous year, the Union Territory recorded 82 crore e-transactions, averaging over 22 lakh transactions per day, while 128 services have been integrated with DigiLocker. Complete Aadhaar seeding of welfare beneficiaries has enabled seamless Direct Benefit Transfer, under which ₹9,000 crore has been credited directly to the accounts of 80 lakh beneficiaries through 77 DBT-based schemes in the current financial year. Complementing these efforts, a comprehensive AI strategy is being formulated to drive innovation and efficiency across priority sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, mobility, education, and law enforcement.

7. The economy of Jammu and Kashmir has demonstrated encouraging momentum in recent years. The Union Territory is presently recording an annual nominal growth rate of around 11 percent (2024–25), reflecting the positive outcomes of sustained policy reforms, enhanced infrastructure development, and proactive investment facilitation. The Government remains committed to consolidating this growth trajectory through strengthened fiscal discipline and the creation of diversified and sustainable employment opportunities, with particular emphasis on youth and women.

8. Jammu and Kashmir is one of the fastest-growing States/Union Territories in the country. GST revenue collection has shown steady growth from ₹8,064 crore in 2023–24 to ₹8,586 crore in 2024–25. Tariff revenue from electric power has witnessed a substantial increase of 16 percent during 2024–25.

9. Special Assistance to States for Capital Infusion (SASCI), providing interest-free loans for capital investment, has been extended to Jammu and Kashmir from the current financial year. Under SASCI, ₹1,431 crore has been sanctioned for 222 projects, along with ₹210 crore as the matching share for 12 Centrally Sponsored Schemes. The first instalment of ₹1,083 crore (66 percent of the sanctioned amount) has already been received.

10. With the support of the UT Government, Jammu and Kashmir Bank has undertaken various reforms aimed at professionalisation of management, merit-based selection of top positions, and capital infusion. These measures have resulted in a turnaround of the Bank, with improvements in net NPAs and capital adequacy.

11. Infrastructure development continues to be a critical driver of economic transformation in the Union Territory. The road sector has witnessed unprecedented investment amounting to ₹61,528 crore, encompassing expressways, National Highways, ring roads, and tunnels, significantly enhancing regional and inter-regional connectivity. Three major tunnels, including the Sonamarg Tunnel, have been completed, while eight others, including the strategic Zojila Tunnel, are at advanced stages of completion. The Narbal–Shopian–Surankote road has been declared a National Highway, further strengthening all-weather connectivity across the Pir Panjal region.

12. In addition, 19 new National Highway projects with an estimated cost of ₹10,637 crore have been sanctioned for 2025–26. These include key infrastructure works such as the Pir Ki Gali Tunnel, Sadhna Tunnel, Lal Chowk–Parimpora Flyover, and Magam Flyover, aimed at decongesting urban centres and improving mobility.

Full Speech by LG Manoj Sinha