Cabinet Proposes 3-Week Budget Session in March, Sends Key Proposals for LG Approval
J&K Cabinet Clears DA Hike, GST Amendments, and River Conservation Projects. Badhaal Mystery Deaths Discussed in Cabinet, Health Department Directed to Act Swiftly
Jammu, 20-01-2025: The Cabinet, in a crucial meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, deliberated on a wide range of issues today and proposed a three-week budget session for the Legislature to commence in the first week of March. The session will feature Omar Abdullah’s debut presentation of the Jammu and Kashmir budget as a Union Territory. Notably, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the broader budget, including allocations for UTs, in Parliament on February 1. All Cabinet recommendations are now set to be forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for approval.
The agenda was packed with significant proposals, including the disbursement of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) installments to government employees and pensioners, and the introduction of a three-tier faculty structure for Dental Colleges in Jammu and Srinagar. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the draft Excise Policy for 2025 and key amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act of 2017. Another notable decision was the approval to eliminate oral tests, interviews, or viva voce for recruitment to posts in Pay Level-6, based on recommendations from the Services Selection Board, aimed at enhancing transparency in hiring practices.
The meeting also addressed administrative proposals concerning the conservation and pollution abatement of major river bodies, including the River Jhelum in Srinagar and the River Banganga in Katra. These measures, under the National River Conservation Plan, involve significant investments, with Rs. 6445.68 lakh earmarked for pollution abatement in Srinagar and Rs. 92.10 crore for River Banganga at Katra. Further, the Cabinet approved Rs. 60.50 crore for the bio-mining and bio-remediation of legacy waste at the Achan dumping site in Srinagar.
In a bid to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet cleared a proposal to construct a new hospital block with an emergency operation theatre at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar. Such decisions reflect the administration’s commitment to improving public health facilities.
Another critical topic discussed was the mysterious deaths of 17 individuals in Badhaal village, Rajouri district. The Cabinet resolved to activate the Health Department and other concerned agencies to thoroughly investigate the causes of these deaths and ensure comprehensive support for the affected families. This move underscores the government’s sensitivity to public health emergencies and its determination to address them effectively.
Proposals from the Housing and Urban Development Department also received the green light, including administrative approval for key urban development projects. These initiatives aim to address pressing issues such as waste management and urban pollution while enhancing the quality of life in major urban centers.
Once approved by the Lieutenant Governor, these decisions will be formally announced, setting the stage for their implementation. The LG will inaugurate the budget session with an address, followed by discussions on the Motion of Thanks and the budget presentation by Omar Abdullah.
The Cabinet’s decisions highlight the administration’s commitment to progressive governance, sustainable growth, and enhanced public service delivery. The proposals signify a balanced and inclusive approach to addressing the region’s challenges by prioritizing transparency, environmental sustainability, healthcare innovation, and employee welfare. Key initiatives such as the Dearness Allowance hike, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and pollution abatement projects underscore a holistic vision for improving the quality of life and fostering long-term resilience in Jammu and Kashmir.
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