Article 370 Abrogation — Six Years On: What Has Changed in J&K?

Introduction

On August 5, 2025, India marks six years since the abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu & Kashmir’s special constitutional status and reorganized it into two Union Territories. This milestone invites reflection on how the region has changed in governance, economy, society, and security.

Understanding Article 370

Article 370 granted Jammu & Kashmir autonomy—its own constitution, state flag, and restricted applicability of Indian laws. Article 35A further barred non-residents from owning land or jobs. The removal of these provisions in 2019 meant full constitutional integration under the Reorganisation Act, including admission of central laws and removal of property restrictions.

Governance & Political Evolution

• Grassroots democracy revived: DDC and Panchayat elections saw ~70% voter turnout, with 2024 Assembly polls showing nearly 64% participation—especially youth and women 1.
• Though Omar Abdullah from NC leads the elected government, critics say J&K remains under central control—with Farooq Abdullah calling it “effectively governed by a viceroy” 2.
• Despite opposition calls, full statehood restoration remains unfulfilled—a key unresolved political demand 3.

Economic & Infrastructure Development

• Since 2019, J&K has received investment proposals exceeding ₹1.19 lakh crore, expected to generate roughly 4.6 lakh jobs—industrial policy targets sectors like IT, renewable energy, agro‑industry and tourism 4.
• Real investments of ₹10,500+ crore materialized across Jammu and Kashmir — growth in exports, manufacturing, and start-ups encouraged by the 2021 Industrial Policy 5.

Education & Institutional Enhancements

• Higher education institutions have expanded sharply—from 96 to 147 colleges and seven new medical colleges. IIT, IIM, and AIIMS campuses now functioning or in progress 6.
• Emerging UPSC qualifiers from remote areas reflect growing educational access beyond former elite networks 7.

Tourism & Connectivity Revival

• Tourist footfalls soared—from under 7 lakh (2021) to 35 lakh (2024), with over 2.35 crore visitors in 2024 and global events like the G20 Tourism Working Group hosted in Srinagar 8.
• Daily flights increased from 35 in 2019 to 125 in 2024; Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link now operational; major tunnels (Zojila, Z‑Mor, Sadhna) and urban rejuvenation projects like Kathua Waterfront advanced 9.

Security & Sociopolitical Change

• Terror incidents have declined by 69%, Naxal-related deaths dropped 70% during the BJP government’s tenure—reflecting improved law and order despite persistent tensions 10.
• Shutdowns, stone-pelting, and street protests are largely history compared to pre‑2019 unrest levels 11.

Issues & Unfinished Business

• Economic inequality remains: real per-capita growth dipped under 3% in 2024, with youth unemployment still high (>30%) in parts of the valley 12.
• Financial administration critiques: hundreds of infrastructure projects suffered cost overruns or remained unfinished, pointing to governance gaps post‑2019 13.
• Political autonomy debate rages: Opposition leaders—Mehbooba Mufti calls it a “blackest day,” Omar Abdullah warns of central control persisting despite elections 14.

Reactions on the Anniversary

On the eve of August 5, rumors swirled about potential further bifurcation of J&K, prompting CM Omar Abdullah to assert: “nothing will happen tomorrow” to calm public anxiety 15.

Meanwhile, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha handed over job appointment letters to families of 250 terror victims—symbolizing continued outreach and rehabilitation efforts 16.

Conclusion

Six years since Article 370 was revoked, Jammu & Kashmir has undergone a profound transformation—shifting toward greater connectivity, infrastructure, civic engagement, and economic hope. Yet, challenges around financial governance, persistent unemployment, and the unresolved promise of statehood remain. The region today stands at a crossroads between development aspiration and political expectations, making the road ahead both promising and contested.