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| Restoration of statehood: A necessity for empowering J&K | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 29: The transition of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory (UT) in August 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370, has raised significant questions about governance, autonomy, and the democratic aspirations of its people. While Union Territory status allows direct administration by the Central Government, it limits the powers of an elected government and hampers the autonomy essential for addressing local issues effectively.
As a state, Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed legislative and executive powers, enabling its Chief Minister and cabinet to function independently. The lack of statehood now means that the Lieutenant Governor (LG), appointed by the Centre, holds overriding authority, often leading to conflicts between the LG’s office and the elected leadership, if any. This clash could stall governance and erode the faith of the people in democratic institutions.
An elected Chief Minister operating within the framework of a Union Territory is reduced to a figurehead, with minimal powers and no control over significant matters such as law and order, which remain with the Lieutenant Governor. The Indian Constitution underscores the role of a state’s government in ensuring federal autonomy, but Jammu and Kashmir’s current status denies it the privileges enshrined for states.
This dilutes the very essence of democracy, as the elected government cannot function independently to fulfill the aspirations of its people. Before holding elections to local bodies and Panchayats, the Centre must restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood to ensure the Chief Minister has the requisite powers to act for the welfare of the people. Without this crucial step, elections will merely be a symbolic exercise, lacking the structural framework needed to empower grassroots democracy.
The National Conference (NC), after recently concluded assembly elections and emerging victorious, despite operating in a politically challenging environment and a divided mandate, has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of all regions, including Jammu. In a landscape often marked by regional and communal divides, the NC has strived to bridge gaps and ensure equitable development for the people of Jammu. This is evident from the fact that National Conference preferred to make Deputy Chief minister from Jammu region and also empowered him with adequate and important ministeries so that people don’t suffer and development takes place manifold.
Its initiatives reflect a genuine effort to balance the aspirations of both Jammu and Kashmir regions, fostering a sense of inclusivity. The party’s policies aim to address the grievances of diverse communities, which is critical in a sensitive and diverse region like J&K. Today Surinder Kumar Chowdhary is looking after Public Works Department, Industries and Commerce, Mining, Labour and employment and Skill development besides another cabinet minister from Jammu Satish Sharma is in-charge of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, transport, science and technology, information technology, youth services and sports and ARI and training. A couple of more ministers from Jammu region are working tirelessly to ensure that J&K develops at par with any other state or UT of the country.
Unlike other regional parties that might prioritize one area over another, the National Conference has emerged as a unifying force, representing the entire Union Territory. It remains committed to delivering justice to all sections of society, irrespective of caste, creed, or regional affiliation by empowering Jammu ministers who are in turn doing well in their respective fields and ensuring that justice is delivered at the doorsteps of people.
This inclusive approach highlights the importance of restoring statehood so that the NC, or any elected government, can effectively implement its vision without interference. Such empowerment would ensure a transparent and accountable governance structure, reinforcing public trust and unity across regions. The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a political demand but a democratic imperative. It is vital for restoring the autonomy and dignity of its elected representatives and empowering them to work for the people’s welfare. A Chief Minister with full statehood powers could function independently and bring about meaningful changes in governance, development, and justice for all.
For Jammu and Kashmir to thrive, it is crucial to uphold its democratic ethos by granting statehood and ensuring that elected leaders have the tools to genuinely serve their constituents. Only then can the region realize its potential as a beacon of development, unity, and democracy. The Deputy CM Surinder Chowdhary timer and again reminded the BJP that home minister Amit Shah himself had assured that job and land rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir will be safeguarded for which restoration of statehood and alongwith traditional Darbar move and other such steps are also needed. Surinder Choudhary had also moved a bill in the recently concluded assembly session seeking restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Its not that people of any particular region want special status to be restored, entire business community of Jammu and other areas also want this to happen because the status empowered them to do business at ease and annual Darbar move, a practice started by erstwhile Kings of Jammu and Kashmir, was aimed at delivering justice at the doorsteps of people and help both regions get good businesses besides save people from harsh winters and scorching heat.
The BJP government at the Centre must honour its commitment made with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and restore statehood as soon as possible. The NC remains committed to advocating for the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, promising that the party will continue to fight for justice, rights of the people and their dignity. It would be in the larger interest of nation if statehood is granted to Jammu and Kashmir and then elections to local bodies or Panchayats held.
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