Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi as part of the pre-budget consultations for the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26. The meeting, which lasted over 30 minutes, was described as “cordial,” according to sources.
This was the second meeting between the two leaders in two months. The first meeting took place in November 2024, and Omar had also participated in a GST Council meeting chaired by Sitharaman in December 2024 in Jaisalmer, where he presented the Union Territory’s viewpoint.
Omar Abdullah, who holds the Finance portfolio for Jammu and Kashmir, reportedly urged for increased financial support from the Centre to help address the region’s liabilities and developmental needs. Sources indicated that Sitharaman assured Omar that his concerns would be addressed and that the Centre would extend all possible support to Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar’s meeting with the Finance Minister comes ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget, scheduled for February 1, 2025. The Jammu and Kashmir budget, which will be Omar’s maiden presentation, is expected to be presented in mid-February, with the legislative session’s schedule still to be finalized. This will mark the first time in six years that the Jammu and Kashmir budget will be presented in the Legislature.
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Omar Abdullah’s Finance Department has already held meetings with various departments to finalize their requirements for the 2025-26 annual budget. The Jammu and Kashmir government is hopeful for a significant increase in its financial allocations as it seeks to address the growing needs of the region.
