7 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

EconomyPolity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Omar tables ₹1.27-lakh-cr J&K budget focusing on inclusive growth

J&K's budget focuses on marginalized sections and job creation amidst financial distress.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a ₹1.27-lakh crore budget, emphasizing inclusive growth and job creation. The budget includes 32 welfare measures for marginalized sections, such as free LPG cylinders for AAY families, free bus service for women and disabled passengers, and financial reimbursement of fees for AAY students. Opposition parties expressed dissatisfaction, calling the budget vague and lacking focus on youth.

Key Facts

The budget was presented by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The budget size is ₹1.27-lakh crore.

The budget has a special focus on marginalized sections of society.

The budget aims to create jobs in the region.

The budget includes 32 welfare measures.

Free LPG cylinders for families registered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

Free bus service for women and passengers with disabilities.

Financial reimbursement of fees for AAY students from Classes 9 to 12 as well as college students.

Sponsorship support to 6,000 orphans under non-institutional care.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2 - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

GS Paper 3 - Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Connects to syllabus topics like poverty, inequality, social justice, and government schemes.

Visual Insights

J&K Budget 2026: Key Highlights

Key figures from the J&K budget presented by Omar Abdullah, focusing on the total budget size.

Total Budget Size: ₹1.27 lakh crore

More Information

Background

The concept of inclusive growth gained prominence in the early 2000s as a response to concerns about rising inequality and the limited impact of economic growth on poverty reduction. Traditional economic models often focused on aggregate growth indicators like GDP, without adequately addressing the distribution of benefits across different segments of society. This led to the recognition that growth must be broad-based and create opportunities for all, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups. Several factors contributed to the shift towards inclusive growth. The experience of many developing countries showed that rapid economic growth could coexist with persistent poverty and inequality. The Washington Consensus policies, which emphasized deregulation and privatization, were criticized for exacerbating these problems. The rise of globalization also created new challenges, as some groups were better positioned to benefit from increased trade and investment than others. This led to calls for policies that would promote greater social inclusion and equity. In India, the concept of inclusive growth has been incorporated into national development plans and policies. The Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012) explicitly aimed at achieving faster and more inclusive growth. This involved a focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for marginalized communities. The government has also launched various social welfare programs, such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), to provide employment and income support to the poor.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on inclusive growth in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, include targets related to poverty reduction, inequality, and social inclusion. Many countries are now aligning their national development strategies with the SDGs, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that no one is left behind. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of inclusive growth. The pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable groups, such as low-income workers and informal sector employees. This has underscored the need for policies that protect these groups and promote greater resilience. Governments around the world have implemented various measures to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, including income support programs and unemployment benefits. Looking ahead, inclusive growth is likely to remain a key priority for policymakers. There is a growing recognition that economic growth alone is not sufficient to address the challenges of poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. Policies that promote inclusive growth, such as investments in education and healthcare, social safety nets, and measures to reduce discrimination, are essential for building a more just and equitable society. The role of institutions like NITI Aayog is crucial in formulating and monitoring these policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Jammu and Kashmir budget presented by Omar Abdullah that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

The key facts for Prelims include the budget size of ₹1.27-lakh crore, the focus on inclusive growth and job creation, and the 32 welfare measures included in the budget. Remember that the budget aims to support marginalized sections of society.

Exam Tip

Focus on remembering the budget size and the number of welfare measures. These are common areas for MCQ-based questions.

2. What is 'inclusive growth' and why is the Jammu and Kashmir budget's focus on it important in the context of UPSC Mains?

Inclusive growth means economic growth that benefits all sections of society, especially the marginalized. It's important because the UPSC Mains exam often tests candidates' understanding of equitable development and social justice. The J&K budget's focus on inclusive growth demonstrates an effort to address inequalities and promote welfare, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

3. What are the welfare measures included in the J&K budget, and how might they impact the common citizens of the region?

The J&K budget includes 32 welfare measures such as free LPG cylinders for AAY families, free bus service for women and disabled passengers, and financial reimbursement of fees for AAY students. These measures aim to alleviate financial burdens on vulnerable populations and improve their access to essential services, potentially leading to better living standards and increased social inclusion.

4. Why is the Jammu and Kashmir budget of ₹1.27-lakh crore in the news recently?

The Jammu and Kashmir budget is in the news because it was recently presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. It highlights the government's priorities for the fiscal year, particularly its focus on inclusive growth, job creation, and welfare measures for marginalized sections of society. The budget size and specific provisions are subjects of public and political discussion.

5. What is the significance of the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) in the context of the J&K budget?

The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is significant because the J&K budget includes welfare measures specifically targeted at AAY families, such as free LPG cylinders and financial reimbursement of fees for students. This indicates a focus on providing support to the poorest families in the region, aligning with the goals of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

6. What are the important dates and figures associated with the J&K budget that a UPSC aspirant should remember?

The key date to remember is 2026-02-07, the date the budget was presented. The important figures include the budget size of ₹1.27-lakh crore, the 32 welfare measures, and the provision of 6 free LPG cylinders for AAY families. Also, remember the sponsorship of 6000 orphans.

Exam Tip

Create flashcards with these key dates and figures for quick revision.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Jammu and Kashmir budget presented by Omar Abdullah: 1. The budget focuses primarily on infrastructure development and tourism promotion. 2. It includes welfare measures specifically targeted towards marginalized sections of society. 3. The budget allocates a significant portion to youth employment and skill development programs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The budget focuses on inclusive growth and job creation, not primarily on infrastructure and tourism. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The budget includes 32 welfare measures for marginalized sections. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The budget emphasizes job creation, implying allocation to youth employment programs. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

2. Which of the following welfare measures was/were included in the ₹1.27-lakh crore Jammu and Kashmir budget? 1. Free LPG cylinders for all families in Jammu and Kashmir. 2. Free bus service for women and disabled passengers. 3. Financial reimbursement of fees for AAY students. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.2 only

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The budget provides free LPG cylinders only for AAY families, not all families. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The budget includes free bus service for women and disabled passengers. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The budget includes financial reimbursement of fees for AAY students. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.

3. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'inclusive growth' as it relates to economic development? A) Economic growth that primarily benefits the wealthiest segments of society. B) Economic growth that is environmentally sustainable but not necessarily equitable. C) Economic growth that creates opportunities for all segments of the population, especially marginalized groups. D) Economic growth that focuses solely on increasing GDP without regard for social or environmental impacts.

A.Economic growth that primarily benefits the wealthiest segments of society.
B.Economic growth that is environmentally sustainable but not necessarily equitable.
C.Economic growth that creates opportunities for all segments of the population, especially marginalized groups.
D.Economic growth that focuses solely on increasing GDP without regard for social or environmental impacts.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Inclusive growth is defined as economic growth that creates opportunities for all segments of the population, especially marginalized groups. It aims to reduce inequality and ensure that the benefits of growth are shared more equitably. Options A, B, and D represent alternative, less comprehensive approaches to economic development.