Srinagar: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday strongly criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government’s post-Budget announcements, calling the Budget “unvisionary, unplanned, and disconnected from ground realities”, and warning that it risks pushing the region’s already fragile economy closer to collapse.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Srinagar, PDP spokesperson Iqbal Tramboo said the economic condition of Jammu and Kashmir has deteriorated sharply since 2019, both due to policy decisions and the prolonged absence of a democratic government.
“Today, the per capita income of Jammu and Kashmir has fallen to less than fifty percent of the national average. Before 2019, our Economic Survey indicators placed us among the top ten states of the country. This decline is not accidental — it is the direct outcome of post-2019 policies,” Tramboo said.
He recalled that even the present Chief Minister had earlier acknowledged that decisions taken over the last seven years would need to be revisited, as they had pushed Jammu and Kashmir towards economic distress.
Against this backdrop, Tramboo said the Budget fails to respond to the extraordinary situation facing the region.
“This is not a normal time. The economy of Jammu and Kashmir is on the verge of collapse. Presenting a general, routine Budget at such a moment is like driving the last nail into the coffin of the people,” he said.
Unemployment the Biggest Crisis, Budget Silent
Tramboo said unemployment remains the root cause of multiple social problems in Jammu and Kashmir, including drug abuse, depression, and declining purchasing power, yet the Budget offers no concrete roadmap to address it.
“What specific measure in this Budget tackles unemployment? All legal changes after 2019 were a direct attack on jobs, businesses and the local economy, but this Budget avoids these issues entirely,” he said.
He also expressed scepticism over welfare announcements, pointing out that previous promises had not been fulfilled.
“Last year, 200 units of free electricity were announced, which people never received. Now six free gas cylinders have been promised for the AAY category. We hope this does not remain another hollow announcement,” he said.
Tramboo noted that the AAY category covers barely 1.5 percent of the population, while the current economic distress affects a much larger section of society.
Tourism Infrastructure Without Job Security ‘Putting the Horse Before the Cart’
Raising serious concerns about tourism-related announcements, Tramboo said the government has failed to protect the hospitality sector, which has emerged as the largest employment generator in Jammu and Kashmir after 2019.
“Hotels in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Patnitop are operating under uncertainty. Their leases have expired. One hotel has already been taken over, and hundreds more face the threat of closure,” he said.
He said the recently taken-over hotel employed around 60 people, all of whom are now unemployed, and warned that thousands of jobs are at stake if the issue is not resolved.
“You are spending money on infrastructure in tourist hubs, but the hotels that keep this infrastructure alive are under threat. What infrastructure are you talking about if the backbone of tourism is collapsing?” Tramboo asked.
He questioned the government’s lack of clarity on rehabilitating hotels, assuring investors, and encouraging expansion and employment.
“When the main source of employment is uncertain, investing in infrastructure is like putting the horse before the cart. Why waste money without solving the real problem?” he said.
Transport Policy Favours Corporates, Ignores Locals
The PDP spokesperson also criticised the government’s transport policies, citing the Smart City e-bus project as an example of misplaced priorities.
“The government is reportedly paying nearly one crore rupees annually to a corporate company just to run e-buses. At the same time, local transporters are being pushed out of business due to taxes, route closures and unfair competition,” he said.
He said even schemes like free rides for women, while socially important, end up financially benefiting large corporations rather than local operators.
“Big corporates do not need government support. Local transporters do. This sector has massive employment potential, but this Budget has no vision for its protection or revival,” Tramboo said.
‘Budget Lacks Vision, Direction and Understanding’
Summing up, Tramboo said the Budget mentions every sector but fails to clearly show how spending will translate into employment generation, welfare, or economic recovery.
“This government was given a mandate to repair the damage of the last seven years. Instead, it has shown a shocking lack of seriousness and understanding of the responsibility it carries,” he said.
