Srinagar, Feb. 2 -- J&K Congress president Tariq Karra said the budget allocation for J&K was a nominal increase than the previous one. "Instead of a 10% natural step-up every year, J&K has got only a 4.72% nominal rise which barely keeps pace with inflation," Karra said. J&K minister Satish Sharma criticised the quantum of allocation, saying, "The Centre should have granted at least Rs.50,000 crore." Firdous Tak, spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the allocation, though appearing substantial, is overwhelmingly composed of routine central assistance and high security-related expenditures rather than genuine investment aimed at transforming the UT's economic landscape. Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha termed the budget 2026-27 as pragmatic, saying it will prioritise economic acceleration, create future-ready infrastructure, sustain growth momentum and chart path to $5 trillion economy milestone within a few years. htc...