*BJP J&K spokesman Altaf Thakur hails union Budget 2025-26 as pro-poor, farmer-friendly, Inclusive*
*Says no income tax upto Rs 12 lakh income a revolutionary Announcement*

Srinagar, Feb 1: Senior BJP leader and Jammu & Kashmir party spokesman Altaf Thakur today welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26, calling it a transformational and inclusive roadmap designed to uplift the poor, destitute, women, and farmers while propelling the nation towards sustainable economic growth.
Thakur stated that the budget reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to social welfare and inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits of economic progress reach every corner of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. He said that raising the income tax limit from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh a year is a great and revolutionary announcement by the Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman.
In a statement issued here, Thakur highlighted that the increased allocation for rural development, enhanced support for farmers, and focused initiatives aimed at women empowerment showcase the government’s dedication to addressing the concerns of the common man. “This budget is aimed at lifting the spirits of the marginalized and boosting grassroots development,” he said, praising the Centre and Union Finance minister Nirmala Sitaraman for her people-centric approach.
*Key Budget Highlights Lauded by Thakur*
1. Major Boost for Rural Development and Agriculture:
Thakur praised the 20% hike in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which will accelerate affordable housing for rural families. He also welcomed the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for key crops and the introduction of a Rs 1.5 lakh crore Agricultural Infrastructure Fund to support irrigation, storage, and logistics. A new crop insurance scheme with reduced premiums and a Rs 50,000 crore push for organic farming were also highlighted as crucial steps toward ensuring farmers’ prosperity.
2. Empowering Women Across Sectors:
Thakur underscored the Rs 50,000 crore allocation for women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), stating that this will empower rural women economically and foster entrepreneurship. The launch of the ‘Nari Shakti Vikas Yojana’, focusing on skill development and leadership training, and the extension of maternity benefits were also seen as landmark initiatives.
3. Focused Welfare for the Poor and Destitute:
Calling it a budget for the common man, Thakur applauded the extension of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which will continue providing free food grains to over 80 crore people. The budget also includes enhanced pensions for senior citizens, widows, and differently-abled individuals and the launch of ‘Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyan 2.0’ to generate 50 lakh new jobs in rural areas. The increase in the income tax exemption limit to Rs 7 lakh was welcomed as a significant relief for the salaried and middle-income groups.
4. Infrastructure Development with Focus on J&K:
Thakur expressed optimism about the Rs 1 lakh crore allocation for highways and road development, especially projects aimed at improving connectivity in border states like Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that tunnel projects in the Himalayas would ensure all-weather access, boosting trade, tourism, and security in the region.
5. Strengthening Healthcare and Education:
Thakur highlighted the Rs 2 lakh crore allocation for healthcare, including the expansion of AIIMS-like institutions and rural health centers. The ‘Ayushman Bharat Plus’ scheme will extend health insurance to 10 crore more beneficiaries, while the budget also promises 50 new medical colleges and 30 nursing institutions to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. The education sector also received a significant boost with investments in digital classrooms, scholarships, and vocational training.
6. Technology, Innovation, and Startups:
Thakur welcomed the launch of the ‘Digital Bharat 2.0’ initiative, aimed at expanding 5G connectivity in rural areas and promoting AI and blockchain technologies. The Rs 1.2 lakh crore allocation for the Start-up India initiative will support young entrepreneurs, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
7. Environmental Sustainability and Green Energy:
Thakur applauded the government’s commitment to climate goals with the ‘Green India Mission 2.0’ receiving Rs 30,000 crore for afforestation and biodiversity conservation. The budget also includes incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) and a Rs 75,000 crore investment in renewable energy infrastructure, furthering India’s push for a greener economy.
8. Strengthening National Security and Defence:
Highlighting the Rs 6 lakh crore defence allocation, Thakur said the budget focuses on modernizing the armed forces and enhancing border security, with special attention given to regions like Jammu and Kashmir. This includes investment in infrastructure to improve the operational readiness of troops in border areas.
Thakur described the Union Budget 2025-26 as a bold, people-centric, and visionary financial plan that not only addresses the immediate needs of the underprivileged but also lays the foundation for long-term economic resilience and growth. “This budget ensures that no section of society is left behind. It is a testament to the government’s focus on inclusive development, and I am confident that it will transform the lives of people across Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.