Srinagar, Jan 02 (KINS): BJP Jammu and Kashmir Vice President and former minister Priya Sethi on Monday described the Union Budget 2026–27 as a transformational roadmap for Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it firmly integrates the Union Territory into India’s long-term Viksit Bharat development vision.
Addressing a press conference at Samba, Priya Sethi, accompanied by District BJP General Secretaries Amit Dubey and Rakesh Samyal, said the Budget reflects the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and focuses on reform, action and people-centric growth. She also thanked Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting what she termed a pro-people and forward-looking Budget.
She said the Budget is guided by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and aims to enhance productivity, competitiveness and economic resilience through structural reforms, fiscal discipline and sustained public investment. Emphasising the role of technology, she said the increased focus on Artificial Intelligence will significantly improve governance, service delivery and economic efficiency.
Highlighting allocations for Jammu and Kashmir, Priya Sethi said the Centre has announced a major development package of ₹43,290 crore for the Union Territory, including ₹42,650 crore as central assistance for government works, development schemes and financial gap funding. She noted that the allocation has increased by ₹2,000 crore compared to last year, reflecting the Centre’s growing commitment to J&K’s development.
She said infrastructure remains the backbone of economic growth and welcomed the enhancement of national capital expenditure to ₹12.2 lakh crore, which will directly benefit Jammu and Kashmir through improved roads, railways, tunnels, ropeways and digital connectivity, thereby boosting tourism, trade and employment.
Priya Sethi also welcomed the focus on semiconductor manufacturing, stating that the launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and an increased outlay of ₹40,000 crore for electronics components will position India as a global technology hub while reducing import dependence.
On agriculture and rural development, she highlighted support for high-value crops, livestock entrepreneurship and the Bharat-VISTAAR AI platform, which will provide farmers with customised advisory services, reduce risks and strengthen rural economies in Jammu and Kashmir and across the country.
She further appreciated initiatives such as Biopharma SHAKTI, with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore, aimed at making India a global biopharma and pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, strengthening medical research and improving healthcare outcomes.
On disaster management, Priya Sethi said the Budget has earmarked funds for Jhelum–Tawi flood rehabilitation and the Disaster Response Fund, ensuring better preparedness against floods and landslides. She added that increased healthcare funding will strengthen hospitals and medical colleges, while focused investments in tourism will help unlock Jammu and Kashmir’s full potential as a global destination.
Concluding, Priya Sethi said the Union Budget 2026–27 not only strengthens Jammu and Kashmir’s development trajectory but also reinforces India’s position as a confident, innovative and reliable global partner driven by technology, sustainable farming, traditional knowledge and strong manufacturing.(KINS)
