Jammu, Jan. 28 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday highlighted the benefits of pre-budget consultations and said his government would maintain the dialogue with various stakeholders to further strengthen governance and public welfare.

Ahead of the budget session, scheduled to commence on February 2, Abdullah chaired an extensive consultation meeting here on Tuesday with representatives from a wide range of sectors including industry and trade, tourism and hospitality, education, youth affairs and agriculture.

The meeting was attended by ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and other senior officers of various departments, an official spokesman said.

During the in...