Article 370: A shift in the Kashmir paradigm

The abrogation of Article 370 is only a part of the systemic shift in Delhi’s view of transforming Kashmir. The effect of the new shift in the Kashmir paradigm led by the Modi-Shah duo in dealing with the issue is much more widespread and layered than it appears touching every life in the valley. 

After assuming office in 2014, the Modi government had to deal with the existing perspective on Kashmir afflicted with the proverbial Stockholm syndrome. The fear that any change in Kashmir’s status would lead bloodshed had taken policy and lawmakers hostage. Instead of dealing with the burning issue, lawmakers followed a status quo policy.  

Successive governments had justified Article 370 on grounds of protecting the state’s distinct demographic character as the only Muslim-majority state in India. Although, it went against the principle of “One Nation, One Law and One Head of the Nation’, the state was repeatedly pampered with more funds. 

During the second five-year plan (1957-58 and 1961-62), J&K received the highest per capita grant-in-aid of Rs 41.7, almost seven times the average of the states at Rs 6. Similarly, the per capita central assistance for J&K at Rs 117 per head, which was the highest and double the average of the rest of the states. Between 2000 and 2016, J&K with 1 % of the total Indian population received 10 % (Rs 1.14 lakh crore) of the total central funds.

Despite such largess for the past 70 years, its economy continued to remain in the doldrums with large deficits showing up on its annual budget. The inability of the state government to utilise the funds and diverting it to different non-developmental projects was one of the issues.  Moreover, organised insurgent violence perpetrated by resurgent military groups, cross-border terrorism, mass strikes, shutdowns, etc meant that J&K failed to keep pace with the growth trajectory of other states.

The recurring violence in the Himalayan state was the result of the imposition of Article 370, which resulted in corruption, nepotism, and misappropriation of funds by those in power. The appeasement and pampering of separatists by the ruling party to stay in power meant giving a free hand to separatists to propagate an anti-India narrative, diverting youth’s energy into destructive activities. 

The abolition of Article 370 also ended an ecosystem that perpetuated violence, injustice and gloom in Kashmir and extended the rule of the Indian constitution to the valley. Today, every institution in the valley is bound to uphold the sanctity of equality, justice, and fraternity. Kashmiris are no longer dependent for their rights on the local political lords who diverted development funds with complete impunity granted under Article 370.

Five years on, J&K is being described as a Valley of peace, prosperity, and all-round development, thanks to a well-crafted strategy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ably implemented by the Home Minister Amit Shah. 

With bandhs, street violence and terrorism brought under control, the local economy has got a much-needed boost with new incentives, development of state-of-the-art educational infrastructure, and empowering the poor with welfare benefits. 

Moreover, the Narendra Modi government announced several far-reaching measures, including the implementation of a reconstruction scheme of Rs 80,000 crore known as the Prime Minister’s Development Package, on November 7, 2015, to strengthen the socio-economic fabric for the development of Jammu & Kashmir. 

It also announced a new transparent and target-oriented J & Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30, to attract fresh investments, create employment opportunities, develop backward regions, and nurture existing businesses. Moreover, a single window portal was launched to provide end-to-end facilitation for entrepreneurs.  

Till November 2023, Investments worth Rs. 2326.65 crore have flowed into the Union Territory. Handloom and handicraft exports have doubled, and tourism has reached unprecedented levels, further boosting the economy.  2023, saw a record 4.45 lakh Amarnath visitors in J&K without a single incidence of violence.

Similarly, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY-SEHAT) was launched on December 26, 2020, providing universal health insurance cover of up to Rs 5.00 lakh per family. Reservation for non-gazetted police ranks has been implemented, promoting gender equality. The development agenda set by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah has set the stage for a safer, prosperous. and more inclusive Kashmir.

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