Jammu, Feb 02: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday said that despite Jammu and Kashmir being a Union Territory, its needs are similar to those of a full-fledged state and the upcoming budget will address those requirements through a special package.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly complex, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir requires focused financial support to overcome multiple challenges faced over the past several years.
“Our needs are those of Jammu and Kashmir. Although we are a Union Territory, when the budget is presented today, provisions will be made not from a UT perspective but keeping our State-level requirements in mind. A special package will be provided according to our needs,” he said.
Choudhary said that unemployment has increased significantly in Jammu and Kashmir over the last 11 years and several sectors have suffered setbacks. He pointed out that the region has faced major losses due to floods, security operations, and a sharp decline in tourism after incidents such as Pahalgam.
“Unemployment has risen, many things have gone backward, floods caused heavy damage, Operation Sindoor happened, and after Pahalgam, tourism suffered badly. There are many sectors that need revival and to bring them back into the system, Jammu and Kashmir needs a very big special package,” he added.
Responding to a query about the Chief Minister’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Deputy Chief Minister said that discussions held in such meetings are confidential in nature.
“The discussions that take place inside are confidential. There is an oath of secrecy, and such matters remain limited to the room,” he said.
Choudhary further said that once the budget is presented, all details will be clear before the public. “As soon as the budget is presented, everything will be before you,” he added. (KNC)
