By | Meer Iqbal
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while tabling the state’s maiden full-fledged budget after the removal of Article 370, announced significant welfare measures such as 200 units of free electricity for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries and free rides to women traveling in government buses. The decisions are meant to give relief to poor families who face high living expenses and encourage the mobility of women by offering free public transport.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is a scheme of the central government, which identifies the poorest of families such as landless laborers, small and marginal farmers, and daily wagers. Such families numbering in thousands in Jammu and Kashmir survive on doles from the government, and providing 200 units of free electricity, the administration aims at relieving their economic burden. Also, provision of free travel for women in government buses, including electric buses, is likely to make travel more affordable and accessible and promote increased participation of women in education, employment, and day-to-day activities.
Unveiling the budget in the newly restored Assembly, Abdullah stressed that these policies demonstrate the commitment of his government to people-oriented governance. He said this budget is a move towards restoring public trust following decades of central domination and promised more such efforts to come. The restoration of the Assembly has renewed hopes for development-oriented policies, and the budget is being viewed as an important step towards honoring poll promises.
The Chief Minister reiterated that these schemes are only the beginning of a broader strategy to uplift economically weaker sections and improve public welfare. Detailed plans, including funding allocations and implementation timelines, will be announced in the coming days. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective execution, and all eyes are now on how the government delivers on its commitments.
