New era of peace, development post Article 370 abrogation in J-K
A lot has changed in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) on August 5, 2019, and experts believe much more are lined up to make the region progressive. In August 2019, the Central government scrapped Article 370 which gave special rights to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two categories- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
It’s three years now and the Union Territory has seen overall development like speedy construction of highways, improvement of the healthcare and education sector with world-class infrastructure and more participation in sports activities by the local youth.
With the sharp decline in terror-related activities and no protests and stone pelting incidents, the tourism sector in the Kashmir Valley has touched new heights.
Under the vision of Naya Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory has been mapping new heights and fares among the leaders in many sectors.
Reforms, coupled with renewed efforts of the people, are leading towards the establishment of a new era of peace and development post Article 370 abrogation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Towards speed, efficiency and quality in Naya Jammu Kashmir, a record number of developmental projects were completed. New milestones were set in overall project execution, transforming the lives of ordinary citizens.
* A road to every village
Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Jammu and Kashmir ranked number 4 at the national level in terms of road length achieved. Enhanced safety, connectivity and mobility have been made to revamp the socio-economic structure of rural and remote areas.
*Quantum leap in power sector
An amount of Rs 5,000 crore of massive addition in the power transmission system in 2021-22 strengthened the impressive outcomes in power distribution. The power generation capacity doubled in three years and trebled in seven years.
*From misgovernance to good governance
Jammu and Kashmir became the first ever Union Terroritry to devise a comprehensive District Good Governance Index (DGGI). The Jammu and Kashmir model is now being adopted by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) to help other 35 states and Union Territories to develop their DGGI.
*Transparency in financial management
With the intent of “Janta ki scheme Janta ki Bhagidari” citizens, oversight was established through empowerment. The portal leading to greater transparency in the public service delivery system was established.
*Industrial development
With the new Central sector scheme for industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir, industrial land allotment policy 2021-30, industrial policy 2021-30 and first-ever foreign direct investment (FDI) policy 2020 have emerged as a new preferred global investment destination under Naya Jammu and Kashmir.
*Education System
Quality education with academic excellence driven by policy reforms is the new mantra in Naya Jammu and Kashmir. Rebuilding the education system through massive addition of infrastructure and trained human resources.
*Agriculture growth
Union Territory has achieved a new height of agricultural ground in Naya Jammu and Kashmir. UT ranked third in the monthly income of agricultural households and the fifth best-performing state/UT in agriculture and allied sectors.
*Equality and justice
Reservation rules were amended to extend benefits to left-out categories. Domicile certificate as basic eligibility for recruitment for local youth including the west Pak refugees, Valmikis, Gorkhas, safai Karamcharis, tribals and Kashmiri migrants.
*Mission youth-my J-K
Mission Youth-My J-K is a first-of-its-kind initiative to empower youth. Tapping demographic dividend through a multi-pronged strategy with a focus on livelihood generation, education, skill development, counselling, financial assistance and sports.
*Transparent recruitment
Unprecedented and transparent recruitment has been established in UT under the Naya Jammu and Kashmir. 100 per cent recruitment was established based on merit and special consideration was given to the disadvantaged categories.
*Women empowerment
Under Naya Jammu and Kashmir, equal rights and opportunities have been established to empower women. Targeted schemes and initiatives to make “Nari Shakti” the real architects of growth.
*Tribal communities
A new era for tribal communities was ensured to give respect, rights and Opportunities. Implementation of Forest Rights Act, Model Residential Schools, Cluster Tribal Model Villages, Tribal Youth Engagement Programmes, Modernization of Tribal Hostels Museums & new Tribal Bhawans.
* Digital governance
In an effort to make digital governance, 180 plus services have been made online. 150-year-old Darbar Move was also ended. E-office implemented with the disposal rate of files have been touching an all-time high of 96 per cent.
*From laggard to leader
Naya Jammu and Kashmir moved from being a laggard to being a leader nationally. Fares among toppers in achievements under Centrally sponsored schemes. Secures notable leads in national-level performance indices.
*Transparency in revenue administration
Massive reforms were undertaken to make revenue administration transparent. Online access to services and land records has made public services efficient, transparent and citizen-friendly.
*Bridge between administration and people
Making “Jan Bhagidari” the lifeblood of governance in UT. The citizens were provided with the opportunity to contribute to policy and decision-making processes. Many initiatives were taken to bridge the gap between the administration and the people.
*Strengthening democracy
Strengthening grassroots democracy with historical Devolution of Funds, Functions and Functionaries. From Planning to Execution, elected representatives made equal stakeholders to safeguard peoples’ rights and access to development.
*Sports infrastructure
Jammu and Kashmir has been moving towards being the sporting powerhouse of the Country. The multipronged approach was made aiming at expanding the sports infrastructure, and availability of trainers and equipment, besides policy initiatives to promote the overall sporting ecosystem in the UT.
Security Situation
Three years after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A by the Narendra Modi government, the security situation in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has shown marked improvement compared with 2016-2018 and 2019-2021 data recorded by the Home Ministry and J&K police. There has been a 600 per cent decline in law and order incidents between three years before August 5, 2019 and three years after the abrogation. According to data compiled by the Home Ministry and the JKP, extremist-related incidents have shown a decline of 21 per cent if the two three-year periods are compared.
*Global tourist destination
Jammu and Kashmir, which is considered the “Crown of Incredible India”, is a global tourist destination. The highest-ever tourist footfall and air traffic have been recorded. Direct international flights were introduced to boost trade and tourism. In the first half of this year, 1.05 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). According to the MHA’s response in Parliament, in the first six months (January to June) of the calendar year 2022, the number of tourists grew from 41267 in the year 2020 to 1.05 crore. (ANI)