Srinagar, Feb 11: Official data presented by the Jammu & Kashmir Government in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday revealed a disparity between Kashmir and Jammu across all seven categories of reserved population.

In response to a cut motion moved by Peoples Conference president Sajad Gani Lone, the Jammu & Kashmir Government revealed that the Jammu region holds over 92.5 percent share in Scheduled Tribe category certificates, while Kashmir accounts for just 7.4 percent.

Of the total 749970 Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates issued, 693781 were granted in Jammu and only 56189 in Kashmir.

The disparity is sharper in the Scheduled Caste (SC) segment, as more than 98 percent of such certificates were issued in Jammu division, while only 1.24 percent were issued in Kashmir. Out of 141419 SC certificates, 139664 were issued in Jammu and 1755 in Kashmir.

The share of Jammu is 50.5 percent in the Reserved Backward Area (RBA) category, while that of Kashmir is 49.4 percent. Out of 100848 certificates issued in this category, 50982 were granted in Jammu and 49866 in Kashmir.

In the Actual Line of Control (ALC) category, 93.6 percent of certificates were issued in Jammu and 6.3 percent in Kashmir. Out of 7,192 certificates issued under this category, 6,732 were issued in Jammu and 460 in Kashmir.

All 6,732 International Border (IB) certificates were issued in the Jammu division.

In the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category, Jammu holds a 59.8 percent share, while Kashmir accounts for 40.2 percent.

According to the data, 78324 certificates have been issued in Jammu under this category and 52652 in Kashmir. —(KNO)

Jammu, Feb 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed regret over his alleged remarks in the Legislative Assembly, saying he did not intend to hurt anyone, even as BJP legislators continued their protest inside the House.

Speaking in the Assembly, the Chief Minister Omar said, “I regret my remarks if they have caused any hurt. My comments were directed at them and not at their family members. However, their field commander (referring to LoP Sunil Sharma) went to the extent of dragging my late grandfather into the matter while leaving.”

Earlier, BJP MLAs termed the reported comment as inappropriate and against the dignity of the House. Raising slogans inside the Assembly, the members demanded that the Chief Minister withdraw the remark and tender an apology, leading to a brief walkout.

The BJP legislators later returned to the House and reiterated their demand for an apology. “Let the CM come forward and say that it was a slip of tongue, express regret, and apologise,” they said. Despite the noisy scenes and continued protests, the proceedings of the House continued. — (KNC)

Jammu, Feb 11: Reaffirming his government’s commitment to fulfil all the promises made to the people, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday announced that the process for regularisation of daily wagers will be initiated this year.

Replying to the discussions on the J-K Budget presented in the Assembly on February 6, the chief minister said it lays a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, social welfare and inclusive development across the Union territory.

Abdullah, who holds the finance portfolio, said the government is focused on generating employment, strengthening infrastructure, improving public services and ensuring transparent and time-bound delivery of development benefits.

On the regularisation of daily workers, Abdullah said, “God willing, we will initiate regularisation of daily wagers this year and will continue to support them.”

He also recalled that the SRO-based employment support for the militancy-affected families was introduced in 1996 during the tenure of then-chief minister Farooq Abdullah, benefiting thousands.

Highlighting the welfare orientation of the Budget, the chief minister said the government’s foremost responsibility is towards the poorest and most vulnerable sections.

The Budget focuses on targeted welfare and social justice, Abdullah said, rejecting criticism over the absence of certain populist measures in the Budget.

Abdullah also said that the six free LPG cylinders promised by the government will be funded through Jammu and Kashmir’s own resources.

“We will provide these cylinders from our own money and resources, without depending on Central funds,” he said.

Referring to the previous welfare measures, Abdullah said the free bus travel scheme for women, introduced in last year’s Budget, has now been extended to persons with disabilities.

He also stressed the need for expanding environment-friendly EV bus services while maintaining a balanced growth of the other transport sectors.

Improving EV connectivity will support the overall economic activity without affecting the livelihoods dependent on conventional transports, he said.

Stressing rural development, Abdullah said agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries and dairy sectors have been prioritised in the Budget.

He also announced a new dairy development scheme aimed at increasing milk production by one lakh litres and said the initiative has been appreciated by the Centre, which is considering support through the National Dairy Development Board.

Measures are also being taken to improve livestock quality, promote backyard poultry and enhance productivity.

Highlighting youth empowerment, Abdullah said the Mission YUVA aims to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment and skill development, enabling youth to become key contributors to economic growth.

Rejecting allegations that the Budget was Kashmir-centric, the chief minister said restoration of the Darbar Move to Jammu reflected the government’s commitment to addressing regional aspirations and ensuring balanced development.

He also said that industries availing government incentives must prioritise employment for local youth.

“The industrial units receiving subsidies, land and power concessions have been urged to ensure adequate job opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

“The Budget 2026-27 serves as a roadmap for inclusive growth, long-term development and social justice,” Abdullah added.

Jammu, Feb 11: On the ninth day of the ongoing Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, all BJP MLAs staged a walkout on Wednesday in protest while seeking apology against an alleged remark made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inside the House on Tuesday.

The BJP legislators raised strong objections over the Chief Minister’s reported use of the phrase “Inko juute padee,” terming it inappropriate and against the dignity of the Assembly proceedings.

The members walked out as a mark of protest, seeking apology from chief minister Omar Abdullah.

The BJP leaders demanded an apology from the Chief Minister, stating that such remarks lower the decorum of the House, while the session continued amid noisy scenes. — (KNC)