 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 6: BJP senior leader and former Vice Chairman, Balbir Ram Rattan, stated that since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, 890 central laws have been extended to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that this move has ensured equal rights and protections for the people of J&K, bringing the region in line with the rest of India in terms of governance, justice, and socio-economic development.
He said that the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 enabled the full application of the Indian Constitution and central legislation, which were earlier not applicable due to the region's special status.
Balbir highlighted that among the 890 laws now in force are many rights-based legislations benefiting marginalized communities. These include the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and the Forest Rights Act, among others.
"These laws have empowered various sections of society - including women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, forest dwellers, and economically weaker groups - with protections and legal remedies that were earlier denied to them," Balbir said.
He added that the extension of these laws has brought transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance. The implementation of the Right to Education Act and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act has improved access to essential services and created opportunities for youth and disadvantaged groups.
Balbir reiterated that the Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring peace, stability, and equal rights for all citizens. The abrogation of Article 370, he said, was a decisive step toward national integration.
Balbir was speaking during a discussion on the changes post-Article 370 with retired bureaucrat Guldev Raj Bhagat, retired DAD officer Hans Raj Loria, former Deputy Registrar Rattan Lal Kaith, former corporator Mohinder Bhagat, SC community member Jagdish Kumar, and others. |
