Srinagar: The maiden Budget of the Jammu and Kashmir government will set the agenda for the next five years and would not address entire demands in a single go, said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday. He said that the ruling National Conference-led government would live up to the expectations of the people to resolve their issues in the five-year term.
"They have given us five years of time. So it cannot happen that all demands will be met in the first budget session alone. But this will be a good beginning which will lay a strong foundation in resolving people's issues in the future," he told reporters here.
Replying to a query on the flag meeting between Indian and Pakistan Armies, he described them as "good" saying they are aimed at reducing tensions without the use of force.
Earlier calling for inputs from the business community while addressing them in Srinagar, Abdullah said they are operating in a 'blank state' and the budget will put a stamp on the policies of the government.
"You have nothing really to judge me by. Whatever I have is what I inherited four months ago," he added. "Now is the time when I start to put the stamp of the elected government on policies and the way forward. This is the point when my assessment time starts," added Omar.
Seeking suggestions from the community, the Chief Minister assured they won’t go unnoticed and will be considered in the upcoming budget as well.
The Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will commence on March 3 and the Budget will be presented on March 7.
Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah pitched for replication of Himachal Pradesh's policy on investments and land protection for expanding investments in Jammu and Kashmir
Speaking at the event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), titled 'AMAZING J&K: Aspiring For New Growth Goals', Omar said holding such events provides a platform for consensus-building and networking on key issues among business leaders, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders where they can discuss strategic actions to boost Jammu & Kashmir's economic growth and development.
He said there is a need for responsible entrepreneurial practices to foster an economic ecosystem that ensures sustainability across Jammu & Kashmir. While advocating for expanding investments in Union Territory, the Chief Minister underscored that such investments must be regulated by laws protecting the agricultural land and having land investment safeguards, like in Himachal Pradesh which has put reasonable restrictions and at the same time it would ensure jobs for local youth.
"Himachal Pradesh has adopted a strict policy in this regard and stressed the adoption of a similar policy in Jammu & Kashmir," Omar said as per the statement issued by the government spokesperson today. He commended the resilience of Jammu & Kashmir's industry, acknowledging businesses that have endured challenging times without solely relying on government subsidies.
On the ease of doing business, the Chief Minister advocated for a genuine single-window clearance system, addressing concerns over bureaucratic hurdles, particularly in obtaining clearances from forest and environment boards, which hinder manufacturing growth.
Omar sought suggestions and valuable insights from the participating entrepreneurs and other stakeholders that can be incorporated into the upcoming budget.
Madhav Singhania, Joint Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, JK Cements Limited & Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry, Northern Region; Syed Junaid Altaf Group Executive Director, FIL Industries Pvt. Ltd. & Chairman, CII J&K; Dr. M. A. Alim Director, Package Design Industries & Vice Chairman CII J&K were also present on the occasion.
