a dedication to sound governance

The Supreme Court of India ruled in a landmark decision to repeal Articles 370 and 35(A). The court has maintained India’s integrity and sovereignty. It correctly noted that the judgment made on August 5, 2019, was intended to strengthen constitutional cohesion rather than cause fragmentation. The court has also acknowledged that the nature of Article 370 was not permanent.

The magnificent scenery of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh has long enthralled poets, painters, and travelers. However, these areas have seen the worst kind of violence and instability over the last 70 years, which the amazing people here never deserved.

Early in my life, I had the chance to establish a connection with the J&K and Olan. I come from an ideological background where fulfilling societal ambitions was just as important as solving political issues. In the Nehru cabinet, Syama Prasad Mookerjee had a significant portfolio and had the potential to hold public office for an extended period of time. Even if it meant risking his life, he resigned due to the Kashmir dispute. Due to his efforts, the Kashmir problem has become very personal to millions of Indians. Atal ji’s inspirational speech in Srinagar years later, “insaniyat, jamhooriyat and kashmiriyat,” has also served as a source of inspiration.

I have always firmly believed that what had occurred in J&K was a huge betrayal, both to the people who lived there and to our country. Additionally, I had a great urge to do all in my power to erase this injustice and stain on the people.

To put it simply, Articles 370 and 35(A) acted as significant roadblocks. The impoverished and oppressed were the ones who suffered from what seemed to be an impregnable barricade. I had a sophisticated grasp of the issue’s nuances and intricacies since I am a karyakarta who has observed the problem attentively over the course of many decades. However, it was evident to me that the people of J&K desire development and that they want to play a part in India’s progress. In addition, they want a life devoid of violence and instability for their kids. Three pillars were therefore given priority: comprehending the problems of the people, establishing confidence via acts of assistance, and placing a high priority on growth.

In 2014, fatal floods occurred in J&K shortly after we took government. I visited Srinagar in September 2014 to evaluate the situation and declared Rs 1,000 crore in exceptional rehabilitation aid, demonstrating our government’s resolve to help people in times of need. Meeting individuals from various backgrounds gave me the chance to see a common theme in our conversations: in addition to wanting growth, these people also want liberation from the pervasive corruption that had been in place for many years. I made the decision that year to skip Diwali in honor of the people we lost in J&K. It was also my decision to spend Diwali in J&K.

We made the decision that our ministers would regularly visit and engage with people face-to-face, which is essential for fostering goodwill. Over 150 ministerial visits occurred between May 2014 and March 2019—a record in and of itself. Initiatives for infrastructural development, employment generation, tourist marketing, and handicraft industry assistance were included in the special package.

In J&K, we made use of sports power. Coaches were made available, training programs were planned, and sporting facilities were renovated. One of the distinctive aspects was the promotion of the formation of neighborhood football teams. The outcomes were excellent. I think of the name of the gifted football player Afshan Ashiq. She was a member of a Srinagar gang that engaged in stone-pelting in December 2014, but with the correct support, she switched to football and became very good at it. I remember telling her in our conversation that the current trend is “Ace it like Afshan,” not “Bend it like Beckham.”

Another pivotal time was the panchayat elections. Once again, we had to decide between holding onto our values and staying in power, but we never had to make a difficult decision and gave up our position. My thoughts return to a conversation I had with Pradhans in the village. I requested from them that it be made sure schools are never burned down. I was happy to see that this was followed. Little children are the ones who suffer the most when schools burn down.

Over the last four years, there has been a resurgence of trust in grassroots democracy. Not enough credit was being given to women, tribal people, SC, ST, and other marginalized groups in society. Meanwhile, Ladakh’s hopes and dreams were completely disregarded. All of that changed on August 5, 2019. Now, all essential laws are applied equally and without fear. Wider representation resulted from elections for block development councils, the implementation of a three-tier Panchayati raj, and the start of the long-overdue benefits of development for refugees who had hitherto been virtually ignored.

Several important central programs, including Ujala, Ujjwala, and Saubhagya, have reached every segment of the population. Financial inclusion, tap water access, and housing have all seen advancements. There has been an infrastructural upgrade in healthcare. Every hamlet attained the distinction of being free of open defecation. Open positions in the government have been filled in an open and methodical way. Other metrics, such as neonatal mortality, have improved. It is evident to everybody that infrastructure and tourism have increased. Prior to now, Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh’s status remained uncertain. All that remains to be said about record development, record growth, and record tourist inflows are exclamation points.

The Supreme Court’s decision has reinforced the idea of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat,” reminding us that our common dedication to good governance and togetherness are what really define us. Every kid born in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh today has a blank canvas on which to design a future full of colorful dreams. People’s aspirations are now possibilities for the future rather than captives of the past. Disillusionment, sadness, and melancholy have been replaced with development, democracy, and dignity.