As the first quarter of the financial year 2025-26 has ended and the second quarter nears its close, Jammu and Kashmir’s district development plans remain unapproved, leaving only eight months to execute critical projects. This delay by the Union Territory government under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reflects a glaring lack of foresight, particularly when the Kashmir Valley faces over three months of harsh winter weather, halting developmental works. With a limited window for execution, this inaction undermines the region’s progress.
The government’s failure is stark given Jammu and Kashmir’s history of underutilizing funds. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) noted in 2023-24 that “persistent errors in budgeting” and “unrealistic forecasting” led to substantial unspent funds. Between 2000-2016, despite receiving ₹1.14 lakh crore in Central grants—10% of all state grants with just 1% of India’s population—the state failed to optimize resources, with pending inspection reports flagging “serious financial irregularities.” In 2024-25, while the Estates Department spent 94.93% of the CAPEX budget, delays in approving district plans hindered progress.
With ₹390.20 crore for tourism, provisions for three new Cath Labs, and ₹5,000 crore in developmental grants allocated in 2025-26, the government must account for the Valley’s weather constraints. From December to February, snow and freezing temperatures stall construction and infrastructure projects, effectively shrinking the workable timeline to five months. These delays risk squandering funds and stalling critical sectors like healthcare and tourism.
The government must expedite district plan approvals within the next month and ensure swift fund allocation via the BEAMS portal. Chief Minister Abdullah’s promises of “peace and prosperity” are hollow when bureaucratic inertia wastes precious time. Jammu and Kashmir’s people deserve accountability and efficient governance. The government must act now to approve and execute plans with rigorous oversight, ensuring development isn’t derailed by winter or administrative apathy.
