Emphasising fiscal discipline, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday directed all departments to submit well-structured, need-based proposals aligned with the government’s development roadmap. For the second consecutive day, the Chief Minister held consultations with several key departments to assess priorities, sectoral requirements and development imperatives for the upcoming budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, scheduled to begin on February 2. Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, chaired detailed deliberations with the departments of Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, Public Works (Roads and Buildings), Mining, Industries and Commerce, and Labour. “The departments should submit well-structured and need-based proposals, aligned with the government’s development roadmap and fiscal discipline,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the meeting. He stressed the importance of timely completion of projects, transparency in execution and efficient service delivery, stating that the budget must reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The budget should focus on inclusive growth, balanced regional development and sustainable economic progress,” Abdullah said. During the meetings, the Chief Minister reviewed sector-wise progress, ongoing projects, budget utilisation and future requirements. He emphasised the need for realistic and outcome-oriented budgeting to ensure that public funds are directed towards priority sectors having a direct impact on people’s lives. Directing departments to adopt a people-centric and performance-driven approach, Abdullah said the forthcoming budget should prioritise strengthening healthcare and education infrastructure, expanding social security coverage, improving road connectivity, promoting industrial growth and generating employment opportunities for youth.