Spl Exclusive Story;Chenab Valley pins high hopes on J&K Budget 2026 as CM Omar Abdullah to present budget on February 6 Residents of Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban demand fulfillment of election promises Slug-0402ZS_BHD_JKBUDGET_CM_R By Raja Rehber Jamal Location-Bhaderwah Anchor:As Chief Minister Omar Abdullah prepares to present the Jammu & Kashmir Budget 2026 on February 6, people across the Chenab Valley are watching the budget closely with high expectations. As the budget presentation approaches, ZEE Media talked to different sections of society to understand what they expect from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s first full budget for Jammu & Kashmir and whether it can bring real relief to the people of the Chenab Valley. Residents hope the budget will finally address long-pending regional issues and ensure balanced development of this hilly and remote belt, in line with promises made during the election campaign. People from Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban say that despite its rich natural resources and strategic importance, the Chenab Valley continues to lag behind in key sectors such as infrastructure, employment, healthcare, and road connectivity. A majority of residents say they are still waiting for the fulfillment of assurances made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during elections and express hope that these commitments will find a concrete place in the Jammu & Kashmir Budget 2026. Youth across the region are demanding focused job creation measures, fresh recruitment drives, revival of stalled development projects, establishment of skill development centres, and transparency in government hiring. Many young people say that unemployment is forcing them to migrate outside the region in search of livelihood. People also requested to establish upcoming National Law University in Bhaderwah to cater hilly districts of Chenab Valley. Farmers and horticulturists cultivating apple, walnut, rajma, and off-season vegetables are seeking better Minimum Support Price, cold storage facilities, improved irrigation schemes, and crop insurance, especially after suffering repeated losses due to adverse weather conditions. With tourism emerging as a major source of livelihood in areas like Guldanda, Jaie Valley, and Padri in Bhaderwah, traders are demanding promotion of Chenab Valley tourism, development of basic infrastructure, a dedicated winter tourism policy, and easy loan facilities for small businesses. Locals are also demanding improvement in road connectivity, power supply, drinking water schemes, healthcare institutions, and education infrastructure, with special attention to snowbound and far-flung areas. People believe that Budget 2026 must reflect regional equity and acknowledge the unique challenges faced by the Chenab Valley due to its difficult terrain, harsh winters, and limited accessibility. Notably, this is the second budget of the Omar Abdullah–led National Conference government after assuming office on October 16, 2024, marking the end of nearly six years of central rule in the Union Territory. According to the official schedule, the Budget Session will conclude on April 4 and will be held in three phases. The ongoing first phase will continue till the commencement of Ramzan, while the remaining sittings will be held after Eid-ul-Fitr in March and April. Ramzan is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, subject to moon sighting. February will have 18 working days of Assembly business, during which the Chief Minister will also table the Supplementary Statement of Expenditure for the financial year 2025–26 on February 6. March and April will have five and four working days respectively. Feed. Shots Bytes. 1. Aamir Amin, Businessman. 2. Parveen Jaryal, President Tribal Community. 3. Yudhvir Thakur, DDC Councillor. 4. P2C Raja Rehber Jamal. Regards Raja Rehber Jamal Chenab Valley E-mail :- rehberjamal12@gmail.com, rehberjamal12@rediffmail.com Mob:- 8803163150, 7006027038 , 7051440613