Srinagar, Mar 7 (NewsEye): People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone has criticized the Jammu and Kashmir budget, calling it a disappointment that lacks vision for economic growth and relief for common people.

In a post on X, Lone said the budget is a mere repetition of Centrally Sponsored Schemes wrapped in Hindi nomenclature, with no concrete measures to tackle unemployment or address the issues of daily wagers and contractual employees.

“I was expecting a politically viable & economically vibrant budget rather than an annual statement of outlay & expenditure,” Lone wrote.

He pointed out that the promise of 200 units of free electricity is limited to the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category and is tied to the Centrally Sponsored Roof Top Solar scheme, making it difficult for many to benefit from the announcement.

Lone also criticized the government for linking social welfare payments to Dearness Allowance (DA), arguing that any real increase would depend on zero inflation — an unlikely scenario.

Petrol and diesel prices are set to increase by ₹1 and ₹2 per litre respectively due to a reduction in rebates, further burdening the common people, he added.

The People’s Conference leader also accused the National Conference (NC) of endorsing the same economic statistics it had previously dismissed under BJP rule.

“The PM, The HM and the Union Finance Minister were praised more than once… the saga of love letters continues. This love letter to BJP part II,” Lone wrote.

The budget, he said, offered “nothing for employment, daily wagers, contractual employees, or minimum wages.”