Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today unveiled the highlights of the Budget 2024-25 for Jammu & Kashmir. The budget, he stated, reflects the aspirations and developmental goals of the people of the region, with a strong focus on accelerating economic growth and fostering peace and prosperity.
Budget Overview:
The total budget for 2024-25 stands at Rs. 1,18,728 crore, marking a slight increase from the previous fiscal year.
Revenue Receipt Estimates amount to Rs. 97,861 crore, with Capital Receipts estimated at Rs. 20,867 crore. Sector-wise allocations include Administrative Sector (Rs. 12,580 crore), Social Sector (Rs. 24,600 crore), Infrastructure Sector (Rs. 12,675 crore), and Economic Sector (Rs. 5,306 crore).
Capital Expenditure for developmental projects totals Rs. 38,566 crore, contributing significantly to the GDP at 14.64%.
Interim Budget Details:
Receipts for the interim period of 2024-25 are estimated at Rs. 59,364 crore, with a focus on revenue and capital receipts.
Notable initiatives include the completion of ongoing projects and investments in various sectors.
Focus Areas:
The budget emphasizes good governance, grassroots democracy, agriculture, investment promotion, employment generation, tourism development, and social inclusion.
e-Governance Initiatives:
Significant steps will be taken to enhance e-governance, including the extension of e-office to all offices and panchayats, establishment of physical verification units, and implementation of emerging technologies for citizen service delivery.
Sector-wise Key Features:
Agriculture & Allied Sectors: Various initiatives aimed at enhancing farm productivity, dairy and sheep farming, and irrigation facilities.
Health & Wellness: Focus on operationalizing cancer institutes, enhancing healthcare services, and expanding health coverage.
Rural Development & Panchayati Raj: Plans to boost rural employment, self-help groups, infrastructure development, and solid waste management.
Power Sector: Measures to improve power supply and grid connectivity in remote areas.
Tourism & Culture: Development of off-beat tourist destinations, heritage sites, and cultural centers.
Water Supply & Irrigation: Comprehensive plans for providing tap connections, irrigation facilities, flood management, and dam commissioning.
Housing & Urban Development: Projects for sewage treatment, smart cities, pollution control, and urban infrastructure.
Education: Initiatives for upgrading school infrastructure, literacy programs, and college development.
Connectivity (Roads & Bridges): Expansion of road networks and infrastructure under various schemes.
Industrial Development: Focus on creating industrial estates, incentives, and infrastructure upgradation.
Social/Tribal Welfare: Programs for healthcare, education, tribal development, and relief for Kashmiri migrants.
Skill Development & Employment: Support for self-employment schemes, job counseling, and training.
Sports & Youth Initiatives: Promotion of sports events, construction of playfields, and youth engagement.
Forestry & Environment: Afforestation, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and eco-tourism promotion.
Food & Civil Supplies: Subsidized food distribution and e-KYC for beneficiaries.
Science & Technology: Adoption of renewable energy, solar power installations, and technological advancements.
Security Related Activities: Measures for border security, CCTV installation, and police infrastructure improvement.
Allocation to Major Schemes:
Funding earmarked for various developmental schemes across sectors, including agriculture, horticulture, industry, education, health, tourism, and infrastructure.
The budget for 2024-25 reflects a comprehensive roadmap towards achieving holistic development and inclusive growth in Jammu & Kashmir under the dynamic leadership of the UT Administration.
