ICC Jammu lauds Budget as balanced, progressive

Jammu, Mar 7: Rahul Sahai, Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Jammu Chapter, has praised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s budget as a well-balanced and growth-oriented financial plan poised to accelerate Jammu & Kashmir’s prosperity.

“The budget reflects a strong commitment to industrial growth, tourism development, youth empowerment, and infrastructure expansion while ensuring inclusive economic progress,” said Sahai, who attended the budget presentation in the J&K assembly.

The ICC chairman welcomed tourism initiatives including development of Ranjit Sagar Lake, construction of a water park at Sidhra, expansion of Jamboo Zoo, and establishment of a state-of-the-art Convention Centre at Sidhra, noting these projects will enhance Jammu’s tourism potential.

Sahai highlighted the `50 crore allocation for an incubation centre, price preference for J&K-based MSMEs on the GeM portal, and expansion of the CGTMSE scheme under the RAMP initiative as significant benefits for small businesses. He also praised the proposal to develop a PM Unity Mall in Jammu for crafts and handicrafts.

The budget allocates `625 crore to support new industries and infrastructure expansion in 64 industrial estates, with 46 more under development. Sahai particularly welcomed the decision to constitute an Advisory Committee on Industry and Tourism to ensure continuous dialogue between government and stakeholders.

Education initiatives include upgrading 40 high schools, establishing 100 smart schools, and launching a `5 crore apprenticeship program. Healthcare measures feature a doubled medical budget, introduction of a Hi-Tech AI-based SEHAT App for tele-medical services, and allocation for 100 AI-powered X-ray machines.

The budget also introduces free transport for women in government buses and increases the girl marriage incentive from `50,000 to `75,000.

“This budget lays a strong foundation for Jammu & Kashmir’s economic transformation. The Indian Chamber of Commerce Jammu looks forward to working closely with the government to implement these initiatives,” Sahai said.