charting our path towards a brighter horizon. It lays strong foundations for enduring economic growth, social harmony, and sustainable prosperity. As we embark on this shared journey, I invite every Hon’ble Member of this august House to come together and work collectively to build a strong and flourishing Jammu and Kashmir.”
Addressing the House, the Chief Minister, who also holds Finance portfolio, said that beyond sector-wise allocations, the Budget carries a set of focused measures that will directly touch the lives of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable sections. “These initiatives reflect our commitment to social justice, targeted welfare and long-term empowerment,” he said.
Budget Estimates and Fiscal framework
The Chief Minister informed that total gross receipts for 2026–27 are estimated at ₹1,27,767 crore, with net budget estimates at ₹1,13,767 crore excluding Ways &Means Advances and overdraft provisions.
Own revenues are estimated at ₹31,800 crore, while central assistance is projected at ₹42,752 crore, and CSS inflows at ₹13,400 crore.
GSDP for 2026–27 has been projected at ₹3,15,822 crore, reflecting 9.5% growth.
Boost to handicrafts, trade promotion and Unity mall
To strengthen the livelihood of artisans and promote Jammu and Kashmir’s globally renowned crafts, the Chief Minister announced enhanced budgetary support to the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO). Regular Buyer–Seller Meets will be organised to create direct market linkages between local artisans and national and international buyers, improving branding, market access and income opportunities.
The Chief Minister also informed the House that financial support of up to ₹200 crore has been received for construction of the Unity Mall, envisioned as a permanent Crafts Bazaar and platform for local products, handicrafts, handlooms and traditional enterprises from across the country.
CM announced that J&K has been brought under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme by central government which offers 50 year interest free loan for taking up infrastructure projects saying that additional Rs 1431 crore has been provided under the untied component for disaster mitigation and restoration works. Under the third component of the (SASCI), Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated ₹210 crore, which will be leveraged to provide the UT’s share for eligible Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
(traditional and high-density), Saffron, Mango and Litchi, with total sum insured of ₹6,594.93 crore.
CM said that Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme has ushered diversification of agri-economy and the scheme shall continue to boost agriculture. CM said that cultivated area had gone up from 12.71 lakh Ha to 13.50 lakh Ha while urging people to benefit from HADP &High Density Plantation schemes.
He also highlighted expansion of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage infrastructure. Currently, 68 CA stores with capacity of 2.92 LMT are operational against the requirement of 6.00 LMT. Additional CA capacity of 15,000 MT is being added in 2025–26, while 38,000 MT is targeted in 2026–27.
To ensure balanced regional dispersal, top-up subsidy for CA storage will focus on districts other than Pulwama and Shopian. The Government plans establishment of 40 CA stores with investment of ₹1,400 crore, including subsidy support of ₹600 crore from 2026–27.
The Chief Minister also announced 25% top-up subsidy for micro and sprinkle irrigation, earmarking ₹116.86 crore, benefiting farmers across 3 lakh hectares and enhancing water use efficiency by 60–80%.
An Aromatic and Medicinal Plant Mission with an outlay of ₹150 crore was announced, with ₹10 crore allocated in the next financial year.
Strengthening livestock sector through genetic improvement
To preserve high genetic breeds in livestock, the Chief Minister announced establishment of one Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT) Lab in every district with phased investment of ₹65 crore, following import of Dorper and Texel sheep from Australia and bulls from the USA.
Rural development and ODF-plus sustainability
The Chief Minister proposed strengthening rural sanitation and livelihoods through convergence of Central schemes, with special focus on achieving ODF-Plus status across rural J&K.
From 2026–27 onwards, District Capex funds will be leveraged for professional operation and maintenance of rural sanitation infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and improved public health outcomes.
Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra infrastructure modernisation
Reaffirming commitment to pilgrim safety, the Chief Minister said over 200 infrastructure works were completed during 2025–26 for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. He proposed further modernisation with an outlay of ₹180 crore in 2026–27 in partnership with the Border Roads Organisation to improve connectivity, emergency response and logistical support.
Government Medical Colleges over the next two years.
PET scans shall be installed at GMC Srinagar and GMC Kathua.
Cardiology services will be expanded with Cath Labs at GMC Rajouri, Baramulla and Doda, with an outlay of ₹30 crore.
Recognising rising cancer incidence, the Government will roll out a Cancer Control Strategy in collaboration with NITI Aayog and ICMR, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, improved treatment, and a population-based cancer registry.
destinations in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. He said despite the debacle due to the Baisaran incident which affected tourism, about 1.61 crore tourist visits were recorded during the current year. He said that Government is working on protecting the fragile eco-system at tourist destinations by investing in construction of Sewage Treatment Plants and solid waste management.
He said that an International Film Festival is being planned to be held shortly.
CM also spoke about the success of Mission YUVA, a flagship initiative to promote entrepreneurship and generate employment among the educated youth saying that 7000 persons had been onboarded on the App with 55000 DPRs prepared, 16000 applications sanctioned, 8000 budding entrepreneurs trained announcing that the Government is well poised to scale up this scheme to benefit youth and women.
Regarding the issue of regularization of Daily Rated Workers, CM said that the recommendations of the High Level Committee constituted shall be implemented to find a just and humane solution for their structured and phase wise regularization within the framework of law and fiscal responsibility.
Chief Minister also presented the supplementary statement of expenditure for the year 2025-26 before the House.
