NOV 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met Union Minister of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, in New Delhi and held a comprehensive discussion on a range of developmental priorities for Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting focused on strengthening the Union Territory’s economic foundation and accelerating ongoing projects aimed at improving public services and overall socio-economic wellbeing.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister highlighted the need for sustained central assistance to speed up key infrastructure projects, particularly in sectors such as road connectivity, power distribution, health, education, and rural development. He underscored that enhanced cooperation with the Union Government is crucial to ensure timely completion of these projects, many of which have direct implications for employment generation and regional stability.
CM Abdullah also emphasized the importance of boosting private and public investment in J&K to unlock new economic opportunities. He sought the Finance Ministry’s support for initiatives aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship, expanding industrial growth, and strengthening the tourism-driven economy.
Welfare-centric programmes were another major point of discussion. The Chief Minister requested continued financial backing for schemes that provide essential services to citizens, particularly vulnerable communities. He noted that sustained funding will help the government strengthen social security mechanisms, improve last-mile delivery of services, and enhance the quality of life across both urban and rural areas.
The Finance Minister assured constructive engagement and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to supporting Jammu and Kashmir in its developmental journey. Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination to ensure that the UT’s developmental roadmap progresses efficiently and effectively.
