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The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mr. Omar Abdullah, presented the Budget for the state for the financial year 2025-26 on March 7, 2025.  The figures for this analysis have been taken from the Annual Financial Statement 2025-26.  However, there are some discrepancies in the actual figures of 2023-24, when compared to the provisional accounts prepared by CAG.  For more details, refer to the box on page 2.

Budget Highlights

  • The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Jammu & Kashmir for 2025-26 (at current prices) is projected to be Rs 2,88,422 crore, amounting to growth of 10% over 2024-25.

  • Expenditure (excluding debt repayment) in 2025-26 is estimated to be Rs 1,06,641 crore, an increase of 3% from the revised estimates of 2024-25.  In addition, debt of Rs 33,669 crore will be repaid by the state.

  • Receipts (excluding borrowings) for 2025-26 are estimated to be Rs 90,535 crore, an increase of 2% as compared to the revised estimates of 2024-25. 

  • Revenue surplus in 2025-26 is estimated to be 3.8% of GSDP (Rs 10,826 crore), as compared to a revenue surplus of 1.9% of GSDP (Rs 4,925 crore) at the revised estimate stage in 2024-25. 

  • Fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is targeted at 5.6% of GSDP (Rs 16,107 crore).  In 2024-25, as per the revised estimates, fiscal deficit is expected to be 5.6% of GSDP, higher than the budgeted 3.4% of GSDP.

Policy Highlights

  • Healthcare:  SEHAT app will be rolled out to provide online teleconsultation services and doctor appointments in government hospitals.  The app will provide a digital health records system integrated with Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-SEHAT insurance.

  • Entrepreneurship and Employment:  Mission YUVA, aiming to create 1,37,000 enterprises and 4,25,000 jobs over five years, will be launched.  This will also include initiating skill development programmes and organising job fairs.

  • Free public transport for women:  All women in Jammu & Kashmir will be granted free ridership on government-owned public transport, including e-Buses from April 2025.

  • Food security:  All Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries will be provided with an enhanced free ration of 10 kg to ensure nutritional support.

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