Omkar Dattatray
It is neither hearsay nor an exaggeration that the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir is on the path of development and marching towards prosperity ever since the abrogation of Article 370 which was a big obstacle in the development of the UT. In fact it can be said that Jammu and Kashmir is progressing on leaps and bounds. After the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 A, on August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing unprecedented development and it is transforming into a peaceful and thriving society. The centre abrogated Article 370 on August 5, 2019 , SOON after second term of the PM Modi led government began. The abrogation of Article 370 ushered into inclusive and all round development especially in tourism ,agriculture and other sectors .In the fast few year’s the government has developed new tourist destinations ,heritage /cultural sites ,and adventure treks/sites attracting tourist footfall in all seasons of the year. The UT government also developed the pilgrim tourist destinations and spots which is attracting a huge number of pilgrim tourists and this results in increasing the income of the local populace which is directly and indirectly associated with the tourist industry .This has also paved way for increasing the living standards of the people. More areas of tourism like amusement, water parks, adventure like water sports, rafting, rock climbing, snow parks are being explored to attract more and more tourists .Known for its tourism industry, Kashmir received a boom after the mega G20 countries meet on tourism which was held in May 22-24 this year.
The crucial meeting caught the attention of international community and media highlighting India’s efforts for the restoration of stability and normalcy in Kashmir. The removal of Article 370 and 35A certainly helped in stabilizing the economy and protecting it from militant and separatist groups ,thus allowing the region to draw in more investments .Jammu and Kashmir received 1.88 crore tourists in 2022 and it reached up to two crore mark as per official data.
Special attention to the youth has been given who deviated from their aims and objectives in life due to the influence of militancy.
About 2.3 lakh young boys and girls were employed in 51004 units established under various self -employment schemes -SESs up to January 2023. Around 70000, youth have been provided with livelihood generation means ,directly or indirectly, by taking various initiatives under Mission Youth (Mumkin,Tejaswani and Parvaz).78 new job oriented trades have been introduced including heritage crops.
In Kashmir, boys and girls are more interested in sports and games activities in all weather. According to J-K administration, more than 50000, young boys and girls have been engaged in sports and recreational activities. In 5000 youth clubs constituted in J and K one lakh active youth members are enlisted .Over 55 lakh youth participated in different sports activities in year 2022-23. The public in general and the youth in particular, felt a sigh of relief when the government recently decided not to issue Indian passports to those indulging in subversive and ant-national activities including stone pelters. In this regard the criminal investigation department issued an order on July 31,2023.
Beside, LG Manoj Shina expressed satisfaction with regions transformation into a peaceful ,thriving and developing society. LG said’ ‘,Today every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir is living in peace. ”He pointed out the end of street protests, the closure of educational institutions for extended periods ,stone pelting ,and separatist tendencies that plagued the region in the past .The erstwhile state is now witnessing a more harmonious and united community ,with people confidently engaging in various activities without fear and unrest .LG particularly emphasized the newfound freedom enjoyed by the youth ”.Youth have got wings to fly on their choicest routes .”Gone are the bad days when young people had to rush home after sunset .Now the vibrant streets of Jammu and Kashmir see youths strolling around ,with some even strumming their guitars or spending quality time on the picturesque riverfronts .The abrogation of Article 370 which resulted into the formation of the two union territories -Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir -has been a turning point in the region’s history .The move not only brought peace and stability but it also paved way for the greater employment opportunities and economic development in the UT .Under Mission Youth ,the J&K administration has collaborated with Mumbai Stock Exchange ,providing a plethora of avenues for young talent to shine in various fields. Ample platform has been provided to youth to showcase their talent and excel in various field . Meanwhile Union Minister Jatindra Singh said that the union territory will play a crucial role in Amrit Kaal .He said,’ ‘In third term of PM Modi’s government Jammu and Kashmir will play a crucial role in Amrit Kaal.”He further said that the decision of abrogating Article 370 ,during the beginning of Modi’s second term ,gave an outlet to the aspirations of J-K youth .The August 5,2019 momentous decision also marked a drastic decline in terror activities and nepotism in the valley.
There was a considerable decline in both recruitment of locals into militancy and killing of the terrorists in 2023 compared to previous year’s is another outcome of the abrogation of Article 370.The restoration of peace and development in the UT is an important feather in the cap of the centre government as the peace and development activities kept momentum after the abrogation of Article 370.It is the most significant achievement of the scrapping of Article 370.While 124 civilians were killed at the hands of police and security forces during protests and stone pelting, not a single such incident was reported in the last four year’s .Encouraged and assured by the safe environment in J&K ,investment projects worth nearly Rs 25 thousand crore are under execution in the UT while proposals to the tune of over Rs 80 thousand crore are under process .Since independence ,J&K had received private investment to the tune of Rs 14000 crore only .However after the abrogation of article 370 and introduction of new Industrial Development Scheme ,the UT has received investment proposals worth Rs 81122 crore in the last two years .Nearly 18,000 Kanals of land as against a total 39022 kanals sought for setting up key units has already been allotted across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions .With an increasing footfall of domestic and foreign visitors ,tourism in J&K is scaling new heights ,making the UT one of the top tourist destinations of the country .There are no takers for strike calls imposed by separatists and militants in Kashmir anymore as the common man has started to reap the dividends of peace and development .In short one can say that due to the abrogation of Article 370,there has been an all round development which is visible on the ground and it will not be an exaggeration to say that the Jammu and Kashmir has progressed by leaps and bounds after the abrogation of Article 370.
(The author is a columnist,
social and KP activist).
