Shameema Firdous praises budget

Srinagar,  Mar 8: National Conference Women's Wing President and MLA Habba Kadal Shameema Firdous Saturday praised the 2025-26 budget, hailing the provision of free rides and support for 40,000 women in launching micro-startups as a valuable gift for J&K women on International Women's Day.

According to a press release she was addressing a women’s wing convention held here. The event was organised by the Women’s Wing Provincial President Er. Sabiya Qadri. Party’s Addl General Secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal was the guest of honour on the occasion.

Ifra Jan, Sardar JS Azad were also present.

Highlighting the achievements of J&K National Conference in serving the cause of women, Shameema emphasised that the party has been a trailblazer in the subcontinent, making efforts to bring women into politics.

She stressed that the role of the party in shaping the destiny of our mothers and sisters cannot be underestimated. She further emphasised that the budget presented by the honorable Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is a continuation of the party's historic vision and mission. "Our Chief Minister has once again brought women to the center stage of government policies and has heavily invested in increasing their mobility and elevating their financial status," she said.

Expressing gratitude to CM Omar Abdullah for his support for women, Shameema said that starting April 1, all women in Jammu and Kashmir will be granted free rides on government-owned public transport, including eBuses. This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind for J&K.

Expected to alleviate financial burdens and improve access to education and employment, the government aims to enhance women's mobility, increase workforce participation, and promote greater independence by eliminating transport costs. Additionally, through the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme, the government will assist 40,000 women in launching micro-startups, ensuring a sustainable annual income of Rs on  lakh and further advancing economic independence across the Union Territory.This is a historic step that deserves applause," she added.

In her address Er Sabiya Qadri said, “NC has taken pioneering steps forward for the full participation of women in politics and increasing their stake in nation-building. Given a chance, women will be instrumental in lifting the politics above narrow divisions and demanding a focus on development, health, education, employment, economics and other issues that deeply affect the public.It is essential to bring women to the center of political agenda and discourse. We are happy to have spearheaded this change. We will continue with our efforts.”