The upcoming budget session in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to be crucial, marking the first such exercise under the new administration. Given the heightened expectations of the people, the session must focus on addressing key issues like unemployment, inflation, electricity, water, and healthcare. With opposition parties signaling their intent to raise concerns aggressively, it is imperative that all stakeholders ensure a balanced and constructive debate. The government must prioritize transparency and efficiency in budgetary allocations to meet the aspirations of the people. A decade later, this budget session holds historical significance as it reflects the region’s evolving governance structure. Scheduled to commence in early March, the session is expected to witness intense discussions and, potentially, heated exchanges. Recent statements from opposition parties like the BJP and PDP indicate their readiness to challenge the ruling administration on various fronts. This robust parliamentary engagement, while a sign of a healthy democracy, must not derail the primary objective—deliberating on policies that enhance public welfare. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, this budget represents an opportunity to address long-standing issues. While the Lieutenant Governor’s administration has undertaken various developmental initiatives, the electorate expects their elected representatives to champion their causes effectively. Citizens hope for concrete measures to tackle economic distress, infrastructural gaps, and essential services. In this context, the role of an all-party meeting before the session cannot be overstated. Convened by the Speaker, such meetings are crucial in fostering a cooperative atmosphere, ensuring smooth proceedings, and preempting unnecessary disruptions. By building consensus on legislative priorities, these discussions can help streamline debates and focus attention on real issues rather than political point-scoring. Additionally, the Chief Minister’s pre-budget interactions with legislators provide a valuable platform for highlighting regional concerns. These discussions must translate into tangible policy actions, ensuring that budget allocations reflect the ground realities of different constituencies. The formation of committees for specific policy areas could further enhance accountability and ensure a more structured approach to governance. As the session unfolds, political parties must rise above mere rhetoric and engage in meaningful deliberations. The ultimate goal should be to maximize legislative productivity and deliver policies that genuinely benefit the people. In a region that has witnessed significant political and administrative changes, this budget session must set a precedent for transparent, responsive, and effective governance.
