Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir’s Omar Abdullah government on Tuesday unveiled the Budget for 2026–27, placing strong emphasis on agriculture-led rural prosperity, education and youth empowerment, and expansion of healthcare infrastructure across the Union Territory.
Presenting the budget, the Chief Minister outlined a series of sector-specific interventions aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening public services, and addressing regional disparities, particularly in rural and border areas.
Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
The budget proposes enhanced support for the horticulture sector through crop insurance coverage for key produce including apple, saffron, mango and litchi. To strengthen post-harvest management, the government announced expansion of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facilities and value-chain infrastructure, especially in under-served districts.
Modern farming practices are also being promoted through wider adoption of micro and sprinkler irrigation systems, along with incentives for cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants. In the livestock sector, the government plans to establish Embryo Transfer Technology laboratories in every district to improve animal genetics and productivity.
A renewed push has also been announced for achieving ODF-Plus status, with focus on sustainable rural sanitation infrastructure.
Education and Youth Empowerment
In the education sector, the government announced the launch of JK e-Pathshala Direct-to-Home (DTH) channels for students of Classes 1 to 12, enabling digital learning without dependence on internet connectivity.
Early childhood education will see Anganwadi centres upgraded into modern Bal Vidyalayas. To promote student well-being, indoor sports and games facilities are proposed in all government schools.
The budget also includes measures to improve local employment opportunities, with priority hiring of local youth in industries availing government concessions.
Healthcare and Wellness
Healthcare emerged as another major focus area. The budget provides for expansion of Lal Ded Hospital with additional Intensive Care and Neonatal Intensive Care units, and establishment of a new Mother and Child Hospital at GMC Anantnag.
Critical care infrastructure will be strengthened with new Cath Labs planned in Rajouri, Baramulla and Doda, along with emergency hospitals in Uri and Poonch. The government also announced a J&K-wide Cancer Control Strategy to be developed in partnership with NITI Aayog and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
For border districts, the budget includes provision of bullet-proof ambulances to improve emergency response and ensure safety of healthcare workers and patients.
