CM says consultations are not ceremonial, assures continuous engagement with stakeholders
BuzzBytes
Jammu, January 27:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday underscored the importance of pre-budget consultations, saying sustained dialogue with stakeholders is essential for strengthening governance and improving public welfare across Jammu and Kashmir.
Ahead of the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on February 2, the Chief Minister chaired an extensive consultation meeting in Jammu with representatives from diverse sectors, including industry and trade, tourism and hospitality, education, youth affairs and agriculture.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and senior officers from various government departments, an official spokesperson said.
During the interaction, stakeholders raised a range of sector-specific issues and offered suggestions aimed at accelerating inclusive growth and addressing developmental challenges faced by different sections of society.
Addressing the gathering, Omar Abdullah said the pre-budget consultations were a serious and purposeful exercise, not a formality. “These interactions are not ceremonial. They play a crucial role in shaping our policies and priorities,” he said.
He said the presence of the entire senior leadership of the government reflected the administration’s commitment to listening to people beyond official files and reports. “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,” the Chief Minister said.
Highlighting the value of stakeholder engagement, Abdullah said such interactions help bridge the gap between official assessments and ground realities. “It is not possible for us, sitting in offices, to know everything. Often, what comes through official channels is different from what is actually happening on the ground. Interactions like these give us critical insights,” he said.
He assured participants that the consultation process would not be limited to the budget-making exercise alone. “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 continuous dialogue ultimately benefits governance and public welfare,” he said.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister thanked all participants for their constructive and candid engagement. “I assure you that every input shared today will be examined carefully and, as far as possible, reflected in our budgetary decisions and policy framework,” he said.
The meeting formed part of the government’s broader effort to make the upcoming budget more inclusive, realistic and responsive to the needs of different sectors and communities across the Union Territory.
