DEVELOPMENT POST ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370: A MILLION DREAMS
At the time of independence in 1947, the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir was in the frontline of all development parameters among all the states of Union of India and it remained so till 1980’s. It had a booming tourism industry supported by good basic infrastructure in terms of electricity & roads. But with the advent of Pakistan sponsored terrorism in late 1980’s, the development works took a backseat and the state started lagging behind in development activities. Lack of good governance, corruption and poor fiscal management further aggravated the problem. There is no reason why a place of such natural beauty and rich heritage should continue to be left behind in a rapidly progressing world, where infrastructure and trade are the keys to development.
The primary reason for the poor condition of roads, electricity & poor public health care infrastructure in the valley has been the rampant corruption prevalent in all echelons of the governance system. Despite a huge chunk of development fund being allotted to Kashmir, the situation on ground was dismal. Post abrogation of Article 370, the government addressed the issue and took remedial steps. Since the abrogation, the government has so far sanctioned projects worth Rs 66,300 crore as part of the Rs 80,068-crore special package for development of Jammu and Kashmir. Out of the 63 projects in the package covering various sectors like road, power, health, education and tourism, 57 are under implementation and six “very complex” projects are under various stages of processing. Major initiatives and projects include setting up of two AIIMS like institutions at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore, establishment of an IIT and IIM in the state at Rs 2,000 crore and construction of Zojila tunnel connecting Srinagar with Leh at Rs 9,000 crores. Augmentation of power distribution infrastructure at Rs 3,500 crore, Srinagar-Leh 200 KV power transmission line costing Rs 1,800 crore and 1,000 MW Pakal Dul Hydro Power Project at Rs 8,100 crore are also being undertaken. Shahpurkandi and Ujh Dam Project for irrigation and hydro power, Ratle Hydro power, and Dal Lake rejuvenation have also been sanctioned.
In order to reform the administration and improve the transparency & efficiency in governance system, the government also strengthened grassroot democracy in Kashmir. The Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats are now the breeding ground of young and vibrant grassroot leaders. There has been exponential increase in funds and the funds are directly disbursed to into the official bank accounts of Urban Local Body and Sarpanches and they have full freedom to execute the tasks as per the requirement of the locals. Mr Shawkat Mian is a young and dynamic Ward Member of Khandey Mohalla Muncipal Committee, Pattan. He has received 45 lakh in an official bank account for the development of his Ward. He has fruitfully utilized about half of this amount from which he constructed a 600 meters drainage system in Khandey Mohalla which will improve the hygiene and sanitation of the locality. He has also received funds for construction of new link road from Khandey Mohalla, Pattan to Railway Station, Pattan which will enhance connectivity of the locals with other parts of the town.
Similarly, Mr Ghulam Ahmad is the Sarpanch of Khanpeth of Singhpora block. He has also received 42 lakhs in official Halka account. The construction of Sanitary Complex near Taxi stand, Football Ground and construction of Cemented Foot Track from Ashthan Mohalla, Hartrat to Khanpeth is in progress. Construction of drain from Jamia Masjid to Khan Mohalla has already been completed.
The Sarpanches at grass root level feel enthusiastic because their empowerment has led them to actively participate in development of their halkas. The speed of infrastructure and development works has certainly been effected because of ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. However, because of active involvement of Sarpanch and Panch to implement basic guidelines of social distancing, the work has partially resumed. The grass-roots democracy pitch is certainly catering to the needs and aspirations of the local populace when the prevailing conflict in the Kashmir Valley has led to consecutive governments ignoring the people’s aspirations. Such development centric steps also goes a long way towards confidence building towards the government and foster an environment of peace and prosperity.
If the development continue at the same pace, days are not far when Kashmir will be one the most developed states of Modern India and will aptly be known as the “Crown Of India”.
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