August 5, 2021: Let Us Embrace the People of J & K and Ensure a Golden Period ahead
August 5, 2019 is the Day of a historic decision of Modi Government to invalidate the separate status or autonomy granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and to liberate the state from decades-long distancing from the rest of India. On this day was formed the two new Union Territories by dividing the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir (with Legislature) and Ladakh (without Legislature). This was a seminal move for a greater integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Indian union, started two years back which continues even now with more determination, vigour, boldness and hope.
The abrogation of the state’s special status, of course, had temporary negative emotional impact on the people of Kashmir. But that had immediately been addressed to by the Modi Government. The evacuation of all tourists from the region and the lockdown in the region affected the business sector as well as the transport system. Some sections of the people have criticized the various decisions of the central government, particularly in giving a free hand to the security forces to maintain discipline. The people by and large, however, welcomed the Government’s decision wholeheartedly. And the Government could handle all the serious issues and easily establish peace in the region with Modi’s bold policies. Some of the steps taken during the past two years and their impact on the people and the economy of J & K, given below, ensure the beginning of new golden era in the state.
Since August 2019 the terror activities in the state have declined by about 60 percent and no other serious attacks causing any death have taken in the region. Now anybody can own land in Kashmir and those who marry Kashmiri girls can get Kashmiri citizenship. It is reported that till January 2021about 34 lakhs youths got the advantage of this. There is no separate flag for J & K state. 3841 Kashmiri Pandit families Out of about forty four thousand families who had to leave Kashmir 3841families could come back in these two years. The Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation scheme provided employment for about 6000 people. About 460 private industrial enterprises and central projects of Rs. 28400 crores got started. Till September 2020 an amount of Rs. 135299 crores was set apart for rehabilitation of industries and an amount of Rs. 8000crores used for the construction of 3300kms of rural roads, an ever time record. It is expected that big industrial groups like Tata, Reliance, Baja, Mahindra, Infosys, Wipro, Maruti etc., will invest in J&K in the near future, creating sufficient jobs for the youths of J & K. All these new developments in J & K will definitely change the outlook of Jammu and Kashmir people.
Under the new domicile law, all those persons and their children who have resided in J&K for 15 years or studied there for seven years and took the class 10 or 12 examination in an educational institution in the J&K are eligible for domicile. Children of central government officials, All India service officers, officials of PSUs and autonomous bodies of Central government, public sector banks, and officials of statutory bodies, central universities and recognized research institutes of the central government, who have served in J&K for a total period of ten years, are also eligible for domicile certificates. There is a section of people, known as the ‘Valmiki Group’, who are now working as sweepers or cleaners were earlier denied citizenship and had no access to government jobs. They are now eligible to get all the benefits of rules of the Union Territory.
Another welcome decision is to start AIMS, IIMs and IITs by 2023. Also, 7 new medical colleges in the next 3 years and 50 new educational institutions with 25000 seats are said to be in the pipeline. Works on Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla rail line for Rs. 21653 crores and extension of Metro rail to Kashmir have already been started. Twenty four hours availability of electricity to all houses is ensured for the first time. Further, by the end of this year drinking water facilities will be provided in all homes. On the whole, one can expect J & K to become a ‘Heaven on Earth’ of great tourists’ attraction and pride of Bharath by the coming years, a long cherished dream of late Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. Let us wholeheartedly embrace the people of J & K and support the Government of India in the mission for ensuring a golden period for them.