Massive transformation in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370

Kashmir has witnessed a significant transformation since the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the region. The move, undertaken by the government, aims to bring stability, progress, and inclusive development to the region. Let's take a closer look at the changes observed in Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370.

• Integration and Access to Central Laws:

With the removal of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir have been fully integrated into the Indian Union. This has resulted in the extension of numerous central laws and legislation to the region, stimulating economic growth, attracting investments, and opening up new opportunities for the people of Kashmir.

Among all the laws, G-20 was the major attractor of investments, which was held in the summer capital of Srinagar earlier this year.

The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, also termed the G-20 meeting a success and said that the meeting was a lesson for enemies of this State.

The 2-day tourism meeting of the G-20 countries concluded on May 25.

• Boost in Infrastructure Development:

Post-abrogation, there has been a significant boost in infrastructure development across Jammu and Kashmir. The government has allocated substantial funds to upgrade road networks and bridges and connect remote areas, thus improving accessibility and connectivity.

Some of the major projects include the 111 kilometres railway project to connect Kashmir with the rest of the states. Chenaab Bridge (359 M high), the highest railway bridge in the world, is also among other historical projects that are being completed after the abrogation of Article 370 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

In the Modi-led government, 32 other projects have been completed at a cost of Rs 58,477 crore. As per official data available with Republic Media Network, around 880 flats have been constructed for Kashmiri migrant employees in the last three years, which is also a big achievement.

The construction has been done for those migrant employees who can now come anytime to settle down in Naya Kashmir, a perfect embodiment of peace.

With the same pace, the LG-led Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has constructed 5,248 two-room tenements in Jammu's Nagrota, Muthi, Purkhu, and Jagdi to accommodate people who have been affected by terrorism in the years 1989–99.

The LG-led Government has also achieved a milestone in the health sector post-Article 370 abrogation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Around 82.22 million beneficiaries were registered in the Sehat Universal Health Insurance Scheme across the Union Territory. This scheme offers Rs 5 Lakh to every household.

In the health sector, the government also introduced schemes that aimed to help poor and middle-class people, including Aayushman Bharat Digital Mission, Ambulatory Services, E-Sanjeevani, Tele-radiology, Tele-medicine, Tele-X-ray, Tele-CT scan, etc.

Besides, five new medical colleges, eleven nursing colleges, and two cancer institutes are also functional, where as one AIIMS in Jammu and another in Kashmir are getting ready for better healthcare facilities for the people of valley.

Earlier this week, Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Modi-led Government has also achieved a milestone for better road connectivity and has constructed 6,913 km in the last three years.

He also said that 19,096 km were black-topped after the abrogation of Article 370. For better and quality education, 49 new degree colleges were established; IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu are also functional. In the technology era, digital classrooms were implemented across schools in the Union Territory.

• Tourism Revival

Kashmir, blessed with natural beauty and unparalleled landscapes, has witnessed a revival in its tourism industry after the abrogation. The region has seen an influx of tourists, both domestic and international, as the government focuses on ensuring security, improving infrastructure, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. With the improvement in the situation on the ground, tourists from foreign countries have also started coming back to this beautiful Kashmir.

A senior tourism official told Republic Media Network that 1.10 crore tourists have visited in the first six months of 2023, which is a great sign for the overall development of the State. He said, this year too, tourists broke the record with the flow, especially after the G-20 meeting.

The officer further said that border tourism is also gaining momentum in J&K, especially in the northern region of Kashmir. He said the places that used to be worst-hit once due to Pakistan shelling now host a huge number of tourists from across the country. The flow is continuously increasing, he added.

• Empowerment of Women:

The government is actively emphasising women empowerment in Kashmir. Special initiatives have been launched to promote education, skill development, and entrepreneurial opportunities for women, enabling them to participate more actively in the region's progress.

In the last three years, women in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have not only become an inspiration but are also competing with the rest of the women across the country. From entrepreneurs to athletes, Women are now representing Kashmir at the international level as well. An official told Republic Media Network that around 55 percent of gram panchayats have been covered under SHGs.

The Umeed scheme of J&K Rural Mission (JKRLM) has engaged thousands of females and become a source of hope for them. Many women are now successful entrepreneurs, and their base has started with Umeed scheme.

Women's empowerment through other schemes like Poshan Abhiyaan, Aganwadi, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, One Step Centre, Universal Women's Helpline, Child Protection Services, and Tejaswini-like schemes have brought a revolution and changed lives of thousands of women across J&K.

These schemes, after the abrogation of Article 370, have become a ray of hope and a reason to live a life of happiness.

• Enhanced Security Measures:

With the aim of safeguarding interests and ensuring peace in the region, improved security measures have been implemented in Kashmir post-abrogation. This has resulted in a considerable decline in violence and a sense of safety and security among the residents. The peaceful environment of Naya Kashmir has led to peace and prosperity in the lives of the common masses, with a decrease in the number of terrorists and their followers.

A senior police officer in conversation with Republic Media Network told that there is a quite peaceful environment in J&K following the efforts of security forces in not only reducing the number of terrorists but also foiling many attempts by Pakistan to infiltrate this side.

He said the number of terrorists killed this year is in the double digits (35), which is a clear indication of peaceful environment in Kashmir.

There is also a sharp drop in encounters across the Union Territory because of the efforts of security forces. The police and other security agencies have also busted many OGWs networks, and efforts are on to crush the network chain, the officer added. The border is now a tourism hotspot, with no big case of infiltration reported in the past three years.

While the abrogation of Article 370 was a landmark decision, the real impact of this transformation is gradually becoming apparent in Kashmir. As the region continues to witness progress across various sectors, it is anticipated that the people of Kashmir will benefit from increased opportunities, development, and an improved standard of living in the years to come.