August 5, 2020 marked the first anniversary of the dawn of politics of development which celebrated the decision by the government of India to reorganize the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), and Ladakh. With vision for development, enhanced governance, and socioeconomic justice for disadvantaged sections of the population the region is marching on the path of progress.
Expanding the rights of people
Many rights which we take for granted in a modern democracy, the people of Jammu and Kashmir saw them for the first time as the several union laws including the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, the Protection of Human Rights Act 1994 and the Right to Information Act 2005 were extended to region
Refugees from West Pakistan, Gurkhas, Safai Karamcharis were denied domicile certificate despite residing in the region for several decades. They were denied voting rights, access to higher education and jobs. Similarly, women married to non-Kashmiris didn’t have property rights. They can have better future in the new set up.
Strengthening grassroots democracy
Elections to Block Development Councils (BDCs), which are a vital component of local government under the three-tier governance model in India, were held for the first time last October. It had the voter turnout of 98 percent. It was also an important achievement in the goal of mainstreaming of women in politics as the seats were reserved for them.
The panchayats, which represent the lowest level of participatory democracy in India, have been strengthened through the devolution of functions and funds of more than $200 million last year. The result was remarkable with the union territory of J&K receiving three national awards for socioeconomic development.
Economic Self-reliance
Prime Ministers Employment Generation Program, a credit-linked subsidy program aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector by helping traditional artisans and unemployed youth, has opened new vistas of opportunity for people.
Khadi Village Industries Board (KVIB) has helped several people establish small textile units under this.
Ahead of a planned Global Investors’ Summit, the government of J&K organized a first-of-its-kind pre-summit investors’ meeting in various metropolitan cities. It showcased investment opportunities available in focus sectors, aimed at boosting manufacturing and the creation of jobs. More than 150 memorandums of understandings, worth $1.8 billion, were signed.
Remunerative Agriculture
Kashmiri apple is known across the world. But, marketing the same and ensuring remunerative price to the farmers has been a challenge. Through a transparent market intervention scheme 15,000 tons of apples were directly procured from farmers as of January this year and the money was directly transferred to their bank accounts removing intermediaries.
In addition, the Kashmiri saffron, the only saffron in the world that grows at an altitude of 1,600 to 1,800 meters, received geographical indication tag.
A cutting-edge Spice Park is under construction at Pampore in Kashmir, a town known for being the hub of saffron cultivation in India. Authentication of its quality because of this tag will ensure better income prospects for farmers.
New agri-tech like high-tech poly-houses with latest features like humidity control, a fogger system, temperature controller and heating system for harsh winters have been constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir government in Srinagar to boost vegetable cultivation which can ensure higher yield and better quality.
To be continued to Part-2…
Pradeep Kumar Rawat is the Ambassador of India to Indonesia
