Mehbooba Mufti Old City budget
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK FEBRUARY 2,2026
Srinagar, February 1:Ahead of the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday demanded a separate budget for Srinagar’s Old City.
Notably, she said the historic area needs focused planning and direct funding.Therefore, a general budget approach, she argued, cannot address its problems.
Mehbooba Mufti Old City Budget Demand Gains Attention
Mehbooba Mufti raised the demand while addressing PDP’s “Khaat Baat” programme.The event was held in the Baba Demb–Khanyar area of Shehr-e-Khaas.
During the interaction, she listened to local grievances.
At the same time, she assured people of continued political support.
‘Old City Has Different Problems
’According to Mufti, Srinagar’s Old City faces challenges that differ from other areas.As a result, she stressed the need for a separate allocation.
“Shehr-e-Khaas has its own social and economic issues,” she said. “Therefore, the area deserves a dedicated budget,” she added.
Moreover, she said the funds must be used only for Old City development.
Job Shortage and Economic Pressure
Mehbooba Mufti also spoke about unemployment. She expressed concern over limited job options for residents.
Importantly, she said most locals belong to the general category. Because of this, they have little access to job quotas.
In addition, many families depend on handicrafts and tourism. However, machine-made goods have weakened the handicrafts sector.
As a result, artisan incomes have declined sharply.
Dependence on Informal Work
Furthermore, Mufti said many people rely on footpath vending. Others depend on small transport businesses.
Consequently, these families face daily uncertainty. They remain vulnerable to eviction drives and policy changes.
Therefore, she said, economic support is urgently needed.
PDP’s Commitment to Shehr-e-Khaas
Reiterating PDP’s stand, Mufti said the party will continue to raise these issues.
“People shared their problems with us,” she said.“Accordingly, we assured them of full support.
”She further added that PDP would do more when in power.
Importantly, she recalled that Shehr-e-Khaas was close to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Youth Awareness Appreciated
Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti praised young participants. She said today’s youth show greater awareness.
In her view, Generation Z understands social issues better. Therefore, she called their participation encouraging.
Mental Health and Drug Abuse Warning
At the same time, Mufti raised concern over youth mental health.
She warned that depression is pushing many youths toward drugs. As a result, she urged parents to stay alert.
“If children show signs of stress, do not ignore it,” she said. Instead, she advised timely medical help.
‘People Fear Cameras,’ Says Mufti
Explaining the programme format, Mufti said media was kept away.
According to her, people hesitate to speak freely on camera. They fear harassment after speaking openly.
Therefore, she said, dialogue without cameras becomes necessary.
Budget Session Context
Meanwhile, the Budget Session begins on Monday. It will start with an address by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Later, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will present the budget. He also holds the finance portfolio.
In this backdrop, the Mehbooba Mufti Old City budget demand has gained attention.
The demand comes ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Budget Session, which begins on Monday.
Mehbooba Mufti is the president of the People’s Democratic Party, a major political party in Jammu and Kashmir.
In the current political climate, the Mehbooba Mufti Old City budget demand has become a key issue ahead of the Budget Session.
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