For over seven decades, the Indian state has extended a disproportionately generous hand to Jammu & Kashmir—economically, politically, and diplomatically. Yet, despite receiving more per capita funding than any other Indian state, segments of the Kashmiri Muslim population continue to reject Indian sovereignty, even going as far as to declare, “We do not consider Kashmir as a part of India” and refuse to say “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
“We do not consider Kashmir as a part of India. It is the land of Kashmiris. And we cannot say Bharat Mata ki Jai”
This is the reality of Local Kashmiri MusIims
— Randomsena (@randomsena) May 1, 2025
This separatist mindset, festering in parts of the Valley, is not just ungrateful—it is parasitic. While Kashmiris chant slogans of azadi and flirt with Pakistani symbols, they do so while living off Indian taxpayers’ hard-earned money, the majority of which comes from the very “kafirs” they deride.
The Truth Behind The Numbers
Between 2000 and 2016, Jammu & Kashmir received a staggering 10% of all central government funds—despite comprising only 1% of India’s population. That translates to ₹91,300 per Kashmiri, while an average resident of Uttar Pradesh—home to 13% of India’s population—received only ₹4,300 during the same period. In fiscal terms, the Centre has treated J&K like royalty, while the rest of India has footed the bill.
Even among the so-called “special category” states (mostly from the North-East), Jammu & Kashmir has been disproportionately privileged. It received 25% of total funds disbursed to all 11 such states, far exceeding its demographic or economic justification.
This generosity wasn’t new. Between 1957-58 and 1961-62, J&K received the highest per capita grant-in-aid in the country—seven times the national average. The trend continued for decades under the belief that economic integration would pacify the region and win hearts. Instead, it only empowered corrupt local elites and entrenched a narrative of entitlement and victimhood.
Kashmir had been getting 10% of Central govt funds from 2000-2016 with just 1% of population. Each and every Kashmiri was getting Rs.91,300 from Hindu tax payers money while their contribution to Indian GDP was less than 1%. Whereas during the same time period UP got 8.2% funds… https://t.co/bwdE9tLd52 pic.twitter.com/4ZfYUb8Y2L
— Stop Hindu Hate Advocacy Network (SHHAN) (@HinduHate) May 1, 2025
Fiscal Mismanagement And Corruption
Despite this flood of funding, J&K remained financially dysfunctional. According to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, as of March 2014, the state had over 32,625 audit observations pending across 8,518 inspection reports, highlighting “serious financial irregularities.” Funds were either misused or left unused due to flawed budgeting and unrealistic resource forecasting.
In FY16 alone, central grants made up 54% of the state’s total revenue and 44% of its expenditure. Without central support, Jammu & Kashmir’s administration would collapse. Yet, instead of showing accountability or gratitude, the narrative from sections of the Valley remains filled with antagonism, victimhood, and open rebellion.
No Service Tax, Still Special Treatment
To make matters worse, J&K was exempt from service tax, meaning it did not contribute to the central tax pool in the same proportion as other states. Still, it received an outsized share of Plan Grants and other non-plan assistance. Even after the 12th Finance Commission recommended stopping Plan Grants to most states, Jammu & Kashmir continued receiving them under the “hilly and border state” exemption.
The Question of Loyalty
The core issue is not just economic. It is ideological. When beneficiaries of national generosity reject the nation itself, the problem transcends fiscal policy. It becomes a question of loyalty and national integrity. Why should Indian taxpayers continue funding a region where significant sections openly disown the Republic?
India has every right to support the development of border states, especially conflict-prone ones. However, development aid should not subsidize separatism. The argument that these funds are necessary to keep Kashmir “with India” has clearly failed. No nation sustains unity by paying to be hated.
Generosity without accountability has only emboldened anti-national sentiments. Those who deny India’s sovereignty while living off its money must be called out. The people of India, especially taxpayers, deserve to know the truth about where their money has gone—and who has been abusing it. Kashmiris who openly defy the nation must be told: that India is not an ATM for separatism. Loyalty to the nation cannot be optional when you benefit from it more than anyone else.
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