Continuing the series of pre-budget consultations ahead of the Budget Session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired an extensive consultation meeting in Jammu with representatives from a wide spectrum of sectors including industry & trade, tourism, hotel & hospitality, education, youth affairs and agriculture.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretaries of Tourism and Power Development, Principal Secretary Finance, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Secretary Education and Higher Education, DG Budget, senior officers of Finance Department, heads of departments and other concerned officers.
During the interaction, stakeholders raised several sector-specific issues and put forward several suggestions aimed at accelerating inclusive growth and regional development. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the seriousness and purpose of the pre-budget consultation process, stating that such interactions are not ceremonial but play a crucial role in shaping government priorities.
“These consultations have been going on for many years, and today we have once again taken them forward. Some may feel that this is a routine exercise with little impact on the ground, but that perception is far from reality,” the Chief Minister said. He emphasized that the presence of the entire senior leadership of the government reflected the administration’s commitment to listening to stakeholders.
“If we were not serious about your suggestions, we would not have brought the entire government machinery here—from the Chief Secretary and senior officers to my Cabinet colleagues. Our intention is to consult you extensively and, wherever possible, incorporate your inputs into the budget and our policies,” he added.
Highlighting the value of stakeholder engagement, CM Omar Abdullah said that such consultations bridge the gap between official assessment and ground realities. “It is not possible for us, sitting in offices, to know everything. Often, what we learn from official channels differs from what is actually happening on the ground, and it is through interactions like these that we gain critical insights,” he said.
He assured participants that the dialogue would not be limited to an annual exercise. “This is not a once-a-year interaction after which you won’t see us again. We will strive to keep this conversation going, because it ultimately benefits governance and public welfare,” he remarked.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to all participants for their constructive engagement. “I once again assure you that every input will be examined carefully, and as far as possible, reflected in our budgetary decisions and policy framework,” he said.