August 5th2020 marks the first anniversary of the abrogation of the Articles 370 and 35A which offered certain temporary privileges to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. These provisions actually hindered the development of J & K and acted as an impediment in implementing the laws enacted by the Indian Parliament.
Abrogation of these Articles helped Kashmiri women to enjoy equal rights as that of the men, bring transparency to the Government and better utilisation of Central development fund at Panchayat level, it also removed the restrictions on transfer of land which encouraged private investment and inflow of capital on industrial sector leading to industrialization and growth in job opportunities.
Removal of these Articles ensured protection of rights of SC/ST people in the State and grant of citizenship to the thousands of sanitisation workers who were denied citizenship earlier, despite being born and brought up and living in J & K for many decades.
The people in Jammu and Kashmir that they participated in the election process there itself indicated their involvement in the development of that State since independence from the British. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A is transforming Jammu and Kashmir through growth in Investment, Development and Employment, it will also a big boost for Tourism, Education and Health Sector.
I have no doubt that abrogation of these Articles will go a long way in National integration, overall well-being and development of Jammu, Kashmir and Laddakh too and flourishing of democracy in its full form.
A.Veronica Fernandes.