Cabinet Meet Today; Excise Policy, Amarnath Yatra Works, JKAS Promotions on Agenda
Jammu, Jan 22 (KNC): The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is scheduled to meet this morning at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, with several key policy and administrative matters lined up for discussion.
Highly placed sources told news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the Cabinet is likely to clear the new Excise Policy for 2026–27, as the current policy ends on March 31, 2026. The proposed policy aims at enhancing revenue through revision of various fees and duties, while maintaining the existing number of liquor vends. The government is targeting an additional revenue generation of around ₹127 crore. Strict provisions against overcharging and sale of liquor to persons below 21 years of age are also part of the draft policy.
Another major item on the agenda is approval for signing an extended Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Tourism Department and BRO/Project Beacon for completion of pending and critical works on the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra tracks. The proposed MoU, with a revised cost of ₹170 crore, covers maintenance and widening of tracks, snow clearance, slope stabilization, construction of shelters, bridges, safety structures and other essential infrastructure to ensure safe movement of pilgrims. The MoU is expected to be executed as a tri-party agreement involving the Tourism Department, PWD and BRO.
Sources further said the Cabinet may also deliberate on the Lieutenant Governor’s address to be delivered at the start of the Budget Session on February 2, and certain welfare measures proposed to be incorporated in the Budget for 2026–27, which the Chief Minister is slated to present on February 6.
The Cabinet is also likely to approve the creation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for operation and management of the proposed Cruise and Urban Water Transport System on River Jhelum, with equity participation from the Transport Department and Inland Waterways Authority of India.
Other agenda items include restructuring of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), construction of a residential school for children of migratory population in Shopian district, and referral of a dispute between JK Cooperative Housing Corporation and HUDCO to the central dispute resolution mechanism.
The Cabinet is also expected to give its nod to promotions of several JKAS officers to higher scales, including Special Secretary and Additional Secretary ranks, along with one-time relaxation for probationers of certain JKAS batches. Proposals related to promotions in the Economics and Statistics Department are also likely to come up for consideration.
All decisions taken by the Cabinet will be subject to the approval of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, sources added. (KNC)
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