Seven years of abrogation of Article 370: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh enter new era of development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A) seven years ago brought a "decisive new chapter" for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He emphasized that since the historic decision on August 5, 2019, there has been significant development in both Union territories, wider opportunities have emerged, and they have been empowered constitutionally.

In a post on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said that the revocation of special provisions has changed the lives of people by ensuring the full implementation of the Indian Constitution and expanding opportunities in various sectors. Mr. Modi wrote, "Seven years ago, on this day, Article 370 and 35(A) became a part of history, marking the beginning of a decisive new chapter in the journey of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh."

Highlighting the changes that have taken place in the region over the past seven years, the Prime Minister said that there has been significant progress in infrastructure development, while opportunities have increased substantially in the fields of education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and sports. He said, "Since then, there has been a widespread change in the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Infrastructure has been expanded, opportunities have increased in sectors like education, public health, business, and sports."

Mr. Modi also emphasized that the extension of all constitutional provisions in the region has empowered women and backward classes, who were deprived of their basic constitutional rights for decades. He said, "Whether it is women or backward classes, who were denied their basic constitutional rights for decades, they have been empowered due to the full implementation of the Indian Constitution."

The Prime Minister said that this year's anniversary is even more significant as India is celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee. He recalled his struggle for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. Mr. Modi said, "This year, the importance of August 5 is even greater as it is the year when our country is celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee. His lifelong commitment to national unity will continue to inspire future generations. The concept he had dreamed of decades ago was fulfilled historically on August 5, 2019."

Reiterating the Centre's commitment to the continuous development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the Prime Minister said that the government will ensure that every citizen gets an opportunity to fulfill their dreams and contribute to the vision of Vikas Bharat. He said, "We reiterate our commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and to ensure that every citizen gets an opportunity to dream big, achieve them, and contribute to the building of Vikas Bharat."

It is worth noting that on August 5, 2019, the central government had abrogated the provisions of Article 370, ending the special constitutional status of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, while Article 35(A) was rendered ineffective. Parliament had also passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act 2019, under which the former state was divided into two Union territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The decision is one of the most significant constitutional and political steps taken by the Narendra Modi government.