Jammu, Jan 12 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said major policy and financial decisions for the Union Territory will be reflected in next year’s Budget, dismissing allegations of discrimination against Jammu over the proposed National Law University (NLU).
Addressing reporters after a review meeting of Jammu district, CM Omar as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said January and February are not the right time to take big decisions as any allocation made now would lapse by the end of March. “We have reviewed last year’s activity. A significant portion of the funds allotted to the district has already been utilised. Any minor gaps will be rectified,” he said.
CM Omar said the government would continue with the budget framework initiated last year, ensure ongoing schemes progress, and also introduce new initiatives. “It would be good if we get as much help from the Centre as possible because the financial position of Jammu and Kashmir is not good,” he said, adding that the administration will work within available resources.
The chief minister declined to provide details of the upcoming Budget, saying, “It is not possible that I will stand here and tell you about the Budget. It will be presented in the House.”
Responding to questions on the controversy surrounding the proposed National Law University, Abdullah said no decision has been taken on its location. He questioned why similar objections were not raised earlier when premier institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) were sanctioned for Jammu.
“When Jammu got IIT and IIM, what did Kashmir get? Then why didn’t you talk about equality or make a controversy? One should have opened in Jammu and one in Kashmir. At that time, no one objected. Now, when it comes to the National Law University, people see discrimination. Leave the decision to us,” Abdullah said as per news agency (KNS).
The review meeting was held at the deputy commissioner’s office in Jammu, with Abdullah walking from his official residence at Wazarat Road. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and legislators from Jammu district.
CM Omar said such reviews aim to assess implementation on the ground, ensure proper utilisation of funds, and plan major initiatives in a structured and timely manner. (KNS)
