New Delhi:
The Narendra Modi government is likely to announce a bonanza package for Jammu and Kashmir days after it revoked Article 370 that granted special powers to the state. News Nation has learnt that the decision in the regard is likely to be taken during the crucial Cabinet meet, which will take place at 4 pm in New Delhi. There are reports that part of the plan is to generate several jobs in the Valley. The package includes devising ways to enhance investment prospects in the newly-created Union Territories. According to report by The Hindustan Times, Modi government is looking to created as many as 50,000 jobs in the Valley with special focus on youth.
Lack of development in the Valley has been often highlighted by the Modi government. During the Rajya Sabha debate on Article 370 on August 5, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said, "I want to tell the people of J&K what damage 370 & 35A did to the state. It's because of these sections that democracy was never fully implemented, corruption increased in the state, that no development could take place." The home minister said that condition of education, health and employment in the state was pitiful. "Ayushman Bharat scheme is there but where are the hospitals? where are doctors and nurses? (in Kashmir) Those supporting 35A please tell me which famous doctor will go and live there and practice? He can't own land or house nor his children can vote," Shah had said.
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Similarly, he argued that a separate constitution implies that the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not enjoy the benefits added in the Consitution of India. Right To Education was not implemented in J&K because of Article 370, he had said.
The government on August 5 repealed provisions under Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and limited Parliament's power to make laws concerning the state. With effect from October 31, Jammu and Kashmir will be bifurcated into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, as a bill in this regard was passed by Parliament and given Presidential assent.
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Modi also said Article 370 and Article 35(A) harmed India, and a handful of families and separatists capitalised on this. PM Modi said, "It is now clear to everyone how Articles 370 and 35(A) fully isolated Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The status quo of seven long decades clearly could not fulfil people's aspirations. Citizens were kept away from the fruits of development. The greatest casualty was the lack of any proper economic avenues to increase earnings. Our approach is different — instead of the vicious cycle of poverty, the people need more economic opportunities. For years, intimidation ruled the roost. Let us now give development a chance."
