Highlights of the Budget of Jammu and Kashmir for FY 2024-25

The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman for accelerated and inclusive growth to fulfill the aspirations of citizens.

Text of Lieutenant Governor's Address:

Budget Size/Key figures

v   The Budget of UT of Jammu and Kashmir for FY 2024-25 was tabled before the Parliament on 23rd July 2024 and passed in both Houses on 8th August, 2024.

v   The size of the Budget 2024-25 is Rs. 1,18,390 crore. It is Rs. 30889 crore higher than the expenditure of 2023-24.

v   Revenue Receipt Estimates for 2024-25 is Rs 98,719 crore and Capital Receipt Estimate is Rs 19,671 crore.

v   Revenue Expenditure for 2024-25 is pegged at Rs. 81,486 crore with sector-wise allocations as under;

Ø   Administrative Sector Rs. 9881.68 crore.

Ø   Social Sector Rs. 24870.50 crore.

Ø   Infrastructure Sector Rs. 15719.40 crore.

Ø   Economic Sector Rs. 5555.48 crore.

v   Capital Expenditure (i.e Developmental Expenditure) for 2024-25 is Rs. 36,904 crore with broad sectoral allocation as under;

Ø   Administrative Sector Rs. 1190.50 crore.

Ø   Social Sector Rs. 4217.65 crore, 40% (Rs 1675 crore) of which is allocated for Health and Medical Education.

Ø   Infrastructure Sector Rs. 11664.45 crore, of which 35% (Rs 4062 crore) is allocated for Public Works.

Ø   Economic Sector Rs. 6943.20 crore of which 54% (Rs 3731.54 crore) major chunk will be used on Rural Development

v   Capital Expenditure contribution towards GDP is 14.01%.

v   GSDP for the year 2024-25 has been projected at Rs 2,63,399 crore which shows a growth of 7.5% over GSDP of 2023-24.

v   The tax/Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio for 2024-25 has been projected at 7.92 percent which is higher than previous year’s 5.68 percent.

Key Challenges & Initiatives of J&K Government

v   As we all know, historically Jammu and Kashmir has faced challenges in fiscal management due to the unabated pressures of externally sponsored terrorism.

v   The high levels of committed expenditure and ATC losses in power sector had accentuated these challenges. 

v   Hence over the past year, the UT government has stressed on revenue augmentation, improving project execution, reducing ATC losses, and improving quality of governance.

Revenue Augmentation

1.      The UT government improved GST return compliance, initiated e-Stamping system, expanded dealer registration and conducted transparent excise auctions.

2.      Tax revenues have increased from Rs 12753 crore in 2022-23 to Rs. 13,900 crore in 2023-24 registering growth of 9%.

3.      GST collection increased by 12% and excise collection increased by 39% in FY 2023-24 as compared to FY 2022-23.

4.      As part of power sector reforms, 5.74 lakh smart meters have been installed by June 2024 resulting in 25% reduction in Transmission & Distribution (T&D) losses and 10% increase in tariff collection per month.

5.      The UT government’s efforts to undertake metering and improve billing and collection efficiency have resulted in non-tax revenues increasing from Rs 5148 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 6500 crore in 2023-24 registering growth of 25%.

Expenditure Reforms

6.      The UT government has effectively leveraged Centrally Sponsored schemes. The UT government intensified efforts to harness central funds through faster execution of works.

7.      This has led to a sharp increase in receipts of funds under CSS from Rs 6400 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 10300 crore in 2023-24.

8.      The UT government has steadfastly undertaken technology reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in budgeting and expenditure management. A systematic drive was started to physically monitor and verify all developmental works through independent officers.

9.      The UT government undertook Aadhar seeding and Biometric verifications systematically for cleaning databases of welfare schemes. The UT government also ensured cost savings through competitive procurements through the GEM and e-Tendering.

10.  These reforms have helped reduce leakages to the tune of Rs. 400 crore per year.

Effective Fiscal Management

11.  During the past few years, the UT government has improved the budgetary transparency. The UT government has repaid power sector dues of about Rs. 28,000 crore which were pending and rising for several years.

12.  For the first time in 77 years, UT contributed to the contingency funds created by RBI; viz. the Consolidated Sinking Fund and Guarantee Redemption Fund.

13.  During 2023-24, the UT government improved its fiscal discipline and curtailed the culture of raising Hundis and overdrafts.

14.  UT government brought the off-Budget borrowings on its books from 2023-24 and started their timely repayment. As a result, stock of such borrowings has started tapering down.

Visible Improvements in J&K’s Economy

15.  Through the above efforts, the UT government improved its revenues, reduced wasteful expenditure, and improved fiscal transparency.

16.  These initiatives coupled with the judicious welfare measures and infrastructure development have helped GDP of J&K double from Rs.1.17 lakh crore in 2015-16 to Rs. 2.45 lakh crore in 2023-24. The GDP is expected to touch Rs. 2.63 lakh crore in 2024-25.

17.  What is especially heartening is that this doubling of J&K’s economy during 2013-2024 was achieved by overcoming the enormous challenges of the massive floods in Kashmir, the incessant efforts of sponsored terrorism and the economic shock of Covid-19 pandemic.

18.  Complete turnaround of J&K Bank also reflects the accelerated growth and strengthened foundations of J&K’s economy. During last four years from a loss of Rs. 1139 Cr in the year 2019-20, the bank has reported a profit of Rs. 1700 Cr in the year 2023-24, the NPA has been reduced from 11% to current level of 5%. The Bank is focussing its efforts to improve professionalism, efficiency and transparency in its business operations.

Special Assistance Package from Central Government

19.  I am happy to inform that the Union government has acknowledged these improvements in financial management of the UT government. Accordingly, in the current financial year 2024-25, the Union Government has approved a special assistance package of Rs 17,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir.

20.  It was noted that around 11% of budget of Jammu and Kashmir is only used for internal security and policing due to the threat of externally sponsored terrorism. Such expenses on policing being unavoidable, leaves limited space for spending on development and welfare projects. The Central Government has decided to take the financial burden of J&K Police for which an allocation of Rs. 12,000 crore has been made in the annual budget of Government of India.

21.  In addition, a special additional grant of Rs 5,000 crore as additional central assistance is being provided in the current financial year.

22.  As a result of this, Rs 17,000 crore of central assistance, the fiscal deficit to GDP ratio will reduce to 3.0% in this financial year. This increased assistance along with the above noted efforts would lead to complete improvement in fiscal position enabling the UT government to work towards fulfilling the developmental needs and aspirations of the people, while maintaining stable fiscal health.

Major Outlays under Budget 2024-25

1.         Rs. 9400 crore for subsidy and budgetary support for purchase of power from the National grid and the Power purchase agreements with power generation companies.

2.         Rs. 3983 crore for Construction of roads & bridges under PMGSY, CRIF, NABARD loan schemes & Bridge scheme.

3.         Rs. 1875 crore for rejuvenating school education infrastructure and services through funding of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), career counselling services, and setting up of modern schools for quality education with PM SHRI funding

4.         Rs. 1808 crore for strengthening decentralized governance by providing for local area development works of PRIs, ULBs, BDCs and DDCs.

5.         Rs. 1714 crore provisioned for tap-water connectivity for rural areas under Jal Jeevan Mission.

6.         Rs. 1484 crore for completion of Smart City projects in Srinagar and Jammu cities, construction of infrastructure projects under Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP), construction of sewerage treatment plants in urban areas, and development of new townships for housing.

7.         Rs. 1430 crore for comprehensive social security coverage under assistance schemes for Old Age, Widow, and Disabled, and for the women empowerment interventions of Ladli Beti and Marriage Assistance schemes.

8.         Rs. 1317 crore for strengthening infrastructure and services in the health sector under National Health Mission mechanism.

9.         Rs. 1104 crore for construction of own houses of houseless poor families in rural areaswith PM Awas Yojana- Grameen support.

10.     Rs. 1068 crore for Provision for salaries, food grains, cash assistance for Kashmiri migrants and construction of transit accommodation for Kashmiri migrant employees.

11.     Rs. 1021 crore for transforming agriculture and allied sectors of the UT through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), with the five-year outlay of Rs 5013 crore, including provisions for IFAD funded J&K Comprehensive Investment Plan (JKCIP) and development ofcold storage and high density plantation.

12.     Rs. 923 crore for development and upgradation of Industrial Estates, for providing GST refund incentive and incentives as per the Industrial Policy for industrial units, promotion of trade through JKTPO’s events for boosting investment and employment

13.     Rs. 776 crore for equity support for the hydro electric projects at Ratle, Kwar, and Kiru, which would provide stable revenue source and cheaper power.

14.     Rs.586 crore for Universal health insurance coverage for all families of Jammu & Kashmir.

15.     Rs. 500 crore for providing of drugs, machinery and equipments for health institutions.

16.     Rs. 475 crore for upgradation infrastructure of colleges and universitiesand for rollout of the National Education Policy.

17.     Rs. 518 crore for promotion of Tourism, development of new tourism destinations and new circuits, construction of ropeways, conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and film festival and promotion policy.

18.     Rs. 445 crore for improving sanitation and waste disposal facilities, IHHLs, CSCs & achieving ODF+ status in the rural areas.

19.     Rs. 390 crore for flood management projects of river Jhelum.

20.     Rs. 405 crore for schemes for self-employment, Start-ups, Seed Capital Fund, implementation of Mission Youth schemes, and support to self help groups for generation livelihoods.

21.     Rs. 179 crore for construction of security related infrastructure, police housing colonies, bunkers in border areas and installation of CCTVs in police stations.

22.     Rs. 150 crore for installation of solar rooftops and solar pumps.

23.     Rs. 335 crore for creation of sports infrastructure, heritage preservation, promotion of festivals and theatre and development of Infrastructure and initiatives for welfare of Tribals, like tribal hostels, milk villages, nomad shelters, etc.

24.     Rs. 100 crore for Capital support for revitalization of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Cooperative Banks.

25.     Rs. 500 crore for MGNREGA works at Gram Panchayat level.

26.     Rs. 401 crore for development of Dal lake, afforestation, wildlife management, and preservation of protected areas.

Major Initiatives

v   The Government of India is supporting to enhance Power Generation from 3500 MW to about 6500 MW till 2026-27. So far, Government of India has provided equity share of Rs. 2430.60 crore to the UT for development of 04 new Hydro Electric Projects.

v   The Central Government has rolled out the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) since 2021 with an outlay of Rs. 28,400 crore for industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir. Total 889 units with proposed investment of Rs 18,185 crore and employment of 46,857 have already started work on the ground. Till date investment worth Rs.6600 crore has been realised on ground.

v   Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors project will be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir with a loan of $100 million from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This initiative shall generate employment opportunities for 2.8 lakh farmers.

v   29 projects have been approved under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme for Rs 5013 crore over five years. The contribution of agriculture towards GSDP is expected to be doubled over next five years in J&K. This initiative shall generate livelihood opportunities for 13 lakh farmer families.

v   Kashmir will be connected with the rest of the country through railways during this year. The existing train services from Baramulla to Banihal have been extended to Sangaldan and the section has been completely electrified as well. 

v   Border Tourism in areas of Kashmir valley like Gurez, Keran, Lolaband Karna-teethwal etc. has received domestic tourist arrival of 1.5 lakhs during 2023.

v   Gurez valley in northern Kashmir which remained without electricity since Independence has now been connected to the electricity grid during last year.

Budget 2024-25: Sector-wise Focus areas& Allocations

Agriculture and Allied sectors

v   Establishment of 2,000 Kisan KhidmatGhars (KKGs) for providing facilities to the farming community at their door step. Reinvigorating Agriculture and allied sectors through Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) by strengthening seed systems, boosting production and productivity, creating agri-business ecosystems and securing livelihoods through enhanced jobs and income creation.

v   Strengthening of Departmental Seed Multiplication Farms.

v   Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors project in Jammu and Kashmir (JKCIP) to be implemented with an estimated value of USD 100 million loan from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The goal of the project is to contribute to the sustained increase in incomeof rural households by improving the competitiveness of farming operations.

v   Implementation of all 29 projects approved under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme.

v   20 agriculture and allied sector products have been identified, out of which 05 products (Saffron, Sulai Honey, Muskhbudgi Rice, BhaderwahRajmash and UdhampurKalari) have got geographical indication (GI) registration and rest are under process.

v   Distribution of farm machinery benefitting 70,000 farmers.

v   Production of designer plants for promotion of high density plantation and rejuvenation of orchards.

v   25,000MTs of Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage capacity to be added.

v   Development of Chrysanthemum theme Park at Cheshmashahi, Srinagar.

v   3,000 dairy units to be established providing direct employment to around 4,000 people.

v   Increase in milk production from 25 to 45 lakh Metric Ton and increase in milk collection/chilling from 2.0 to 8.5 lakh Litres Per Day (LLPD) over a period of five years

v   100 satellite heifer rearing units will be established in the private sector.

v   1,800 PashuSakhis will receive incentives for ration balancing for 6,00,000 cows and for the milk recording programme of 30,000 dairy cows.

v   60,000 backyard poultry units will be established in rural areas.

v   Hybrid fodder seed kits will be provided for 3,600 hectare of land.

v   100 hydroponic fodder units and 60 silage-making units, along with 6 fodder depots to be established to ensure availability in fodder-deficient areas.

v   Fish Production to be enhanced from 30,670 MT to 35,250 MT with technological interventions.

For Agriculture and allied Sectors an allocation of about Rs 2053.39 crore has been made under capital expenditure for the year 2024-25 which is Rs 524.33 crore more than revised allocation of 2023-24.

Rural DevelopmentandPanchayati Raj

v   Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 400 lakh mandays to be generated.

v   Under HIMAYAT training of around 7000 candidates to be completed.

v   12,000 additional Self Help Groups (SHGs) to be formed during 2024-25.

v   600 new panchayat ghars to be constructed under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) with 100% internet connectivity.

v   2.60 lakh mandays of training to Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).

v   80,000 houses to be constructed under Pradhan MantriAwasYojanaGramin (PMAY-G).

v   06 Villages to have solid/liquid waste management facilities in order to become clean with litter and plastic free.

v   26,000 hectare area to be treated with completion of 1,800 works under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) during 2024-25.

For Rural Sector, an allocation of about Rs 3731.54 crore has been made under capital expenditure for the year 2024-25.

Tourismand Culture

v   Border Tourism in areas of Kashmir valley like Gurez, Keran, LolabandTeethwaletc. has received domestic tourist arrival of 1.5 lakhs during 2023.

v   New initiative for development of infrastructure and basic amenities in 12 off-beat tourist destinations, 6 each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions, with objective of enhancing tourism appeal and expanding local business and job opportunities.

v   Development of Keran as border tourist village.

v   Development of Tosamaidan and Sitharan circuits.

v   Development of Duggar Dani village at Samba with the traditional set up in the form of "mock village”.

v   Construction and installation of 130 meter (425 feet) high National Flag mast at Patnitop.

v   Completion of revival and restoration of 75 identified heritage sites/cultural sites.

v   Establishment and operationalization of 8 cultural centers.

v   Development and modernization of Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum Srinagar.

v   Promotion and propagation of sufism in Jammu and Kashmir through structured programmes including operationalization of state-of-the-art Suffiana School at Srinagar.

v   Digitization of all libraries.

For Tourism and Culture sector, an allocation of about Rs 519.70 crore has been made under capital expenditure for the year 2024-25 which is Rs 205.45 crore more than revised allocation of 2023-24.

Forestry and Environment

v   Planting of 190 lakh native trees and 100 lakh low cost greening interventions aimed to restore ecosystems, prevent soil erosion and enhance biodiversity.

v   All 78 urban Local bodies of Jammu and Kashmir to have at least one Nagar Van, Nagar Vatika or an Eco Park.

v   10 lakh saplings of local, medicinaland economic importance species to be distributed among the farmers for planting to augment trees outside forests and improve livelihood.

v   Infrastructure at wetlands like Gharana, Hokersar and Shallbugh to be developed for promotion of eco-tourism.

v   Establishment of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) in Jammu.

v   Implement of Van se Jal, Jal se Jeevan, an innovative water conservation technique through watershed management approach, promote sustainable agricultural practices and revitalize traditional water bodies, including wetlands.

v   Conservation and rejuvenation of Wular Lake to enhance the livelihood of the local people, through ecotourism.

v   Enhancing avenues of livelihood generation through involvement of the Panchayat level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and integrating them with Self Help Groups (SHGs) registered with NRLM for sustainable collection and disposal of forest produce.

For Forest sector, an allocation of about Rs 186.45 crore has been made under capital expenditure for the year 2024-25 which is Rs 52 crore more than revised allocation of 2023-24.

Cooperative Sector

v   Establishment of Micro Food Processing Units for creating employment opportunities, especially in rural areas.