Srinagar, Feb 02 (KNO): Calling tourism the “lifeline” of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah on Monday urged the Centre to give the sector ‘a central place’ in the upcoming Budget 2026–27.
He said a genuine revival of tourism and horticulture can tackle unemployment and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands across the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Budget Session in Jammu, Shah, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the region has unmatched potential but continues to face chronic underfunding. “Tourism is our economic key,” he said, urging the government to treat the sector as a national priority to address unemployment.
Shah said tourism, if given serious policy attention, can power jobs, self-employment and infrastructure growth across the region.
The MLA said there has been a decade-long delay in the release of funds under the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP). “In 2014, the Prime Minister announced Rs 2,000 crore for the tourism sector. Sadly, only Rs 400 crore has been released so far, while Rs 1,600 crore remains pending. That delay has held back vital projects in Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other destinations that could have transformed our tourism economy,” he said.
Highlighting the link between tourism and youth employment, Farooq Shah said that Kashmir’s hospitality industry, adventure tourism and handicrafts could absorb thousands of unemployed youth if given financial and institutional support.
“We have the human resource, we have natural beauty and what we need is vision-backed funding,” he said.
He also drew attention to the horticulture sector, calling it “the other half” of Kashmir’s economic base. “Our agro-based products face post-harvest issues every year. Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), we must focus on cold storage, processing units and marketing channels. The government should also consider KCC loan waivers for small orchardists,” he added.
The MLA Gulmarg further said that despite multiple challenges, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to show resilience. “Our youth want opportunities, not handouts. Tourism and horticulture can provide those opportunities if the right budgetary decisions are taken this time,” he said.
Shah also raised concerns about the rising unemployment and unfilled vacancies in government departments. “Thousands of posts remain vacant. Daily wagers and SPOs are worried about their future. The upcoming Budget should send a message of hope, not hesitation,” he said.
Calling the present administration “promising and responsive,” the MLA added that the leadership must now translate intent into action. “Our Chief Minister has a vision and a mission to address the people’s hardships. The team must work in unison to fulfil public expectations. This government is of the people, by the people, and for the people,” Shah said.
He further said that Kashmir’s true prosperity lies not just in infrastructure or statistics but in empowering its people through sustainable sectors. “Tourism is not merely a pleasure, but it is a livelihood. If we treat it that way, this Budget could mark a new beginning for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy,” the MLA said—(KNO)