The Centre cleared the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project (1,856 MW) on the Chenab, after being stalled for decades. This is expected to boost energy generation, create jobs, and enhance local infrastructure.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented a ₹1.12 lakh crore budget—marking the first by an elected government in J&K in seven years. The budget includes measures for welfare, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, education, etc. Key announcements: a new hydropower policy, free electricity to some vulnerable households, increased pensions, free travel for women on government transport, and more.
As part of the budget, the J&K government plans to introduce a new policy aimed at exploiting its hydropower potential (estimated at ~20,000 MW). The policy is designed to bring in private investment, improve metering, billing and collection, and ensure reliable and affordable power by 2027-28.
The J&K government unveiled its Road Safety Policy 2025 with a target of reducing accidents and fatalities by 50% by the year 2030. The policy includes institutional measures like strengthening the State Road Safety Council, systematic identification and remediation of accident-prone zones, enforcing accountability for contractors/consultants, and encouraging public transport.
The J&K government issued an order to forfeit (ban) 25 books it claimed promote false narratives and secessionist ideologies. The High Court issued notices to the J&K home department over this, asking for responses, but has declined to stay the forfeiture at this point. This raises questions around freedom of speech, expression, and censorship in the region.