Right since 1947, Article 370 has been a bone of contention within India. With the passage of time, within India, the demand for scrapping of the Article grew. After the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded in 1951, it became more intense as the party considered it as harmful for overall national integration and encouraged inclusivity.
The demand remained consistent and when the Janata Party came to power in 1977, the Jan Sangh and RSS kept up the demand to junk article 370 and allow full integration of J&K into India.
Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had always opposed the continuation of 370 and despatched myriad letters to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to abrogate it.
In the following years, the BJP manifesto loudly demanded the abrogation of Article 370, demanded justice for the Hindu refugees who were victims of violence in the 1980s and 1990s. They were subjected to constant threats, kidnappings and violence.
Sheikh Abdullah, the leader of J&K National Conference, refused to entertain any demand for abrogation of article 370. His son Farooq Abdullah and grandson Omar Abdullah too followed suit.
But after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, the murmur about the junking of the Article 370 grew but it finally materialised after the Saffron Party formed the government for the second time in 2019 and finally, the Article 370 was scrapped on August 5, 2019.
But the landmark decision of August 5, 2019 ushered a new era of peace, progress, and prosperity in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Over the past four years, numerous initiatives have resulted in a monumental shift in J&K’s growth and ambitions.
A wide range of initiatives since 2019 have led to unprecedented development in the region, enhanced security and deepened democracy. No aspect, from internal security to economic development, has been left unaffected or unaltered in this transformative journey.
Social inclusion and empowerment of marginalized groups since 2019
End of discrimination due to Art. 370 and Art. 35A
• Due to the Special Status, several archaic and discriminatory laws were applicable in the region. This impacted the region’s women and the most disadvantaged sections of society. Post revocation of Article 370, a new era of inclusion is being witnessed in J&K.
• Anti-Safai Karamcharis, Anti-migrants and Anti-West Pakistan Refugees: In other parts of the country, refugees from West Pakistan went onto become PM while in J&K even basic rights such as voting were denied. These groups were denied property rights and public employment opportunities despite decades of residency.
• Refugees from West Pakistan, PoJK, Gorkhas and Valmikis were declared as domiciles of J&K and have been given the domicile certificates since 2020. Rs 5.5 lakh per family was offered as compensation to those who had migrated not only from West Pakistan but also from PoJK.
• Anti women: Earlier, women marrying outside the state or with non-permanent residents could not inherit property. Now, women of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have the freedom to marry a non-resident without putting in jeopardy the rights of their children over their property.
• The removal of Art. 35A and introduction of new Domicile law: According to the new definition of domicile, persons residing in Jammu & Kashmir for 15 or more years, or someone who has studied for a period of seven years and appeared in class X/XII from the state can be issued a domicile certificate. This has ended decades of discrimination.
• Extensive benefits have been provided to various marginalized groups in J&K. Financial assistance of Rs. 5.5 lakh to families of displaced persons of PoJK 1947, displaced persons of PoJK (residing outside J&K), displaced persons of Chhamb (1965 and 1971), and West Pakistan Refugees. This has benefitted more than 45000 families.
Progressive national laws applicable to J&K
• All 890 Central Laws were made applicable to J&K. 205 State laws were repealed, and 130 State laws were modified to align with the Constitution of India.
• Instead of its own penal code – Ranbir penal code, J&K now has the Indian Penal Code.
• Major governance laws such as RTE Act, RTI Act, AADHAR Act, were not applicable to J&K earlier
• Rights of women denied: Progressive national laws such as Dowry Prohibition Act, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act etc. have been made applicable to J&K.
Return of Kashmir Pandits to valley
The way has been paved for the resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits ousted from the Kashmir valley in 1990. 6000 jobs and 6000 transit accommodations, in progress.
• Benefits for 44000 Kashmiri migrant families. This incudes monthly financial assistance and ration.
• More than 1600 Kashmiri Pandits have been posted in government departments in Kashmir to facilitate their return.
• Return of encroached ancestral property to Kashmiri migrants.
• In September 2021, a dedicated portal was launched for registration of complaints by Kashmiri migrants about encroachment and distress sale of properties.
Inclusive reservation benefits:
• Post 2019, reservation has been granted to Pahari speaking people and EWS category.
• In October 2022, Pahari speakers were included within ST category.
• Reservation benefits extended to residents of areas around International Border.
• A Commission has been established for examining reservation for Socially and Economically Backward communities.
Hard Stop on Terror and Terror Sympathisers
• The year 2018 saw harrowing 417 incidents ripping through the valley. The lives of ordinary people were haunted by the constant shadow of violence. But post-370 revocation, a determined pursuit of peace is underway.
• By 2023, terror incidents had plunged to merely 26. A resolute fight against terror led to the sharp decline.
Decline in Terror Incidents
• 2018: 417
• 2023: 26
Zero stone-pelting incidents in 2023
• 2018: 1767
• 2023: 0
Incidents of organised bandh/hartals
• 2018: 52
• 2023: 0
Drop in terrorist recruitment
• 2018: 199
• 2023: 12
Decline in cross-border infiltration
• 2019: 141
• 2023: 0
Decline in number of security forces personnel martyred.
Number of security forces personnel martyred has reduced from 91 in 2018 to 31 in 2022.
Improved security due to various efforts
• The Government has taken various measures to normalise the situation in the Kashmir valley. These include a robust security and intelligence grid, proactive operations against terrorists, intensified night patrolling and checking at Nakas, security arrangements through appropriate deployment and a high level of alertness maintained by the security forces.
• Various measures have been taken for modernization of J&K Police
Deepening and strengthening grassroots of democracy
In Jammu and Kashmir, the establishment of a three-tier Panchayati Raj system has marked a transformative change in local governance.
• In October 2019 elections for Block Development Councils were held for the very first time in the history of J&K, with a historic turnout of 98.3%.
• The amendment to the J&K Panchayati Raj Act in October 2020 enabled the creation of District Development Councils, the final tier of the system.
• Elections were promptly held for these Councils, along with bye-elections for Panches and Sarpanches, resulting in 35,000 elected representatives.
These grassroots leaders now have the power to shape the future of their villages, tehsils, and districts.
• Substantial turnout in DDC elections held in November-December 2020
• Local government reforms for direct funding of Panchayats.
Delimitation:
• The Delimitation Commission was formed in March 2020 which led to the issuance of the Delimitation Notification on May 5, 2022
• The Delimitation exercise has reduced the historical disparity between Jammu (from 37 to 43 seats) and Kashmir (from 46 to 47 seats) region.
• It has led to introduction of ST reservation for the first time.
• The Delimitation has also provided for Nominated member seats for Kashmiri migrants.
Recognition for languages
• Earlier, J&K had only two official languages Urdu and English.
• The J&K Official Languages Bill, 2020 was passed to add three additional official languages – Hindi, Kashmiri, and Dogri
Fast-Tracking Development
Before Revoking Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir faced numerous challenges in implementing central government schemes. The special status accorded to the region had created administrative complexities, bureaucratic hurdles, and limited access to national development initiatives.
Improved welfare provisioning
However, with the revocation of Article 370, a new chapter of development and empowerment began for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
• In December 2020, PM Modi launched the PM Jan Arogya Yojana – SEHAT scheme to expand Ayushman Bharat benefits to 21 lakh families in the state.
• The implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana has enabled over 82.3 lakh registered beneficiaries to avail quality healthcare services, which were previously limited.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission brought about a revolution in the region’s water supply, delivering tap connections to 12.6 lakh households.
• The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) also contributed significantly to the region’s housing sector. The completion of 1.7 lakh houses under PMAY (Rural), and 21,652 dwelling units under PMAY (Urban) has been ensured.
• Moreover, the Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana played a crucial role in reducing the burden of healthcare expenses. Through 226 Jan Aushadhi Kendras, generic medicines became readily available.
• Financial inclusion also received a boost with the successful implementation of PM Jan Dhan Yojana. The opening of 26.5 lakh bank accounts, with a significant share held by women, expanded access to formal banking services and provided individuals with the means to build savings and avail credit facilities.
• 84.86 lakh LEDs distributed under Ujala Scheme.
• Over 34 lakh unorganised workers in J&K registered on ashram portal
• 100% electrification under the SAUBHAGYA scheme.
Business and Entrepreneurship
• Rs. 1,300 crore+ ‘business revival package’ approved on 25th September, 2020.
• Highest ever investment of Rs. 1547.87 crore has been received by J&K during 2022-23 (till January 2023)
• Record investment proposals worth Rs. Rs. 66,000 crore received by J&K, with a direct employment potential of more than 2.93 lakhs
• More than 166 services made online and available on the Single Window Portal for end-to-end facilitation of business establishment
• 2.7 lakh MSMEs have registered on the Udyam portal
• In the first significant foreign direct investment in J&K, Emaar will invest a total of Rs 500 crore, including Rs 250 crore for the mega-mall, and more to help set up IT towers in Jammu and Srinagar
Modernizing archaic land laws of J&K
• The archaic land laws of J&K had become insignificant over time.
• These restricted urbanization and industrial growth.
• Tillers in J&K had limited right of tillers to sell their land.
• Archaic laws were either repealed or replaced.
Strengthening J&K’s Infrastructure:
• The removal of Art. 370 led to fast tracking of various infrastructure projects and initiatives approved under PM’s Development Package 2015.
302 bridges constructed in the last four years.
The Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge, spanning over the majestic Chenab River.
With an annual budget of Rs 1.18 lakh crore & 53 mega projects of Rs 58,477 crores in Jammu & Kashmir & Ladakh, 32 have been completed & 9 projects of Rs 21,441 crore in Ladakh underway.
Construction of 6912 kms of rural roads under PM Gram Sadak Yojana in last three years alone. 18000 Kms constructed under PMSGY connecting 2047 places.
• Zojila tunnel project, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh and, at 14.2 km, will also be the country’s longest road tunnel to be delivered by 2030.
• The Banihal-Qazigund Road tunnel was constructed at the cost of over Rs 3,100 crore reducing the time by 1.5 hours and distance by 16 kms.
• In the first significant foreign direct investment in J&K, Emaar will invest a total of Rs 500 crore, including Rs 250 crore for the mega-mall, and more to help set up IT towers in Jammu and Srinagar
• Construction of the first three phases of the 272-km-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link completed
• International flight from Srinagar to Sharjah has been started
• Night flights from Jammu and Srinagar have also been started
• Under Transmission sector, 2265 MVA Capacity has been created from April 01, 2019 onwards
• Availability of electricity in J&K increased from 73.6% in July, 2019 to 99.7% in February, 2023.
Unprecedented Industrial development in J&K
• J&K administration received investment proposals for more than Rs. 80000 crore. These are likely to create more than 3.5 lakh jobs in the state.
• New Industrial Policy and Industrial Land Allotment Policy have been announced to boost investment and economic growth.
Ease of living
• 24×7 Grievance Portals have been established in all districts to facilitate ease of living.
• Numerous government services have been shifted to online platform.
Inclusive development through Back to Village
• The immensely successful Back to Village programme has been continued through multiple rounds since 2019.
• Government officers directly visit all Panchayats of the state, discuss developmental problems, and solve citizen grievances.
Ensuring regional equity in development: Ladakh’s progress since 2019
• Ayushman Bharat provided healthcare to 1.3 lakh beneficiaries, disbursing Rs 11.5 crore.
• Jal Jeevan Mission installed 33,495 household tap connections for improved water access.
• PMAY (Rural & Urban) completed 1429 houses and 666 dwelling units, ensuring decent housing.
• Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana offered affordable medicines worth Rs 106.5 crore.
• PM Jan Dhan Yojana opened 21,908 bank accounts, with 55% for women.
• PM KISAN allocated Rs 36 crore to support farmers.
• PM Mudra Yojana sanctioned Rs 960 crore for entrepreneurs.
Allocation of Funds
• During 2021-22, Rs. 34,704.46 crore was allocated to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as Grants-in-aid and Rs. 5958 crore has been allocated to UT of Ladakh.
• Similarly, during, 2022-23, Rs. 35,581.44 crore has been allocated to Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as Grants-in-aid and Rs. 5958 crore has been allocated to UT of Ladakh.
The Many ‘Firsts’ of J&K
• Diwali celebrated at Sharda Temple after 75 years
• In July 2023, Muharram Processions returned to Srinagar’s Streets after 34 Years
• In September 2022, cinema Hall reopened after more than 30 years.
• Kashmiri Pandits celebrate ‘Navreh’ in their homeland after 32 years.
Tourism Flourishes
• Modi Government has implemented various Industrial Policies, a New Policy for Film, Home Stay, and House Boat Policy, boosting investment and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
• A record 1.88 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2022, reflecting a continual increase in tourist numbers and investment in the region.
• The G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar successfully communicated the positive message of Kashmir’s tourism and improved