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Srinagar, Nov 28 (UNI) Keeping in view the peculiar climatic conditions and less working period available for developmental works, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to prepone the state budget.

Holding pre-budget discussions with the representatives of various trade, tourism and industrial associations, Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Qarrah said, ''The state budget for next year is being preponed from last week of February to first week of January keeping in view the peculiar climatic condition and less working period available in the state especially in the Valley.'' He said the budget period used to spill over to April followed by Darbar move causing delay in release of funds to various departments and by preponement of budget, the work period on ground would increase at least by 60 days resulting in better utilisation of allotted funds.

He, however, clarified that the financial year would continue to be from April 1 to March 31 in the state.

He said every effort would be made to make the budget people friendly.

Responding to the suggestions put-forth by the participants, the minister said their budget related proposals would be examined and efforts would be made to accommodate these in the budget.

Regarding shifting of the power projects of Salal and Uri to the state, the Minister said the matter of transferring of Salal project in the first instance has been taken up with the Central government.

Mr Qarrah said our thrust would be to generate more resources to boost the economy of the state, which in turn would give impetus to industrial growth and other activities.

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