The Supreme Court on 14 August expressed caution over an early hearing on a clutch of applications seeking a time-bound restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) statehood.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran pointed to the “ground realities” and the recent Pahalgam terror attack as it acceded to the Centre’s request to list the matter after eight weeks.

“You will also have to take into consideration the ground realities. You cannot ignore what has happened in Pahalgam,” the CJI Gavai-led Bench told the applicants seeking an earlier hearing. The apex court was hearing applications arguing that the continued delay in restoring statehood is “gravely affecting the rights of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and also violating the idea of federalism”. The applications contended that the failure to restore statehood within a time-bound framework amounts to a violation of federalism, which forms part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution.

“It has been 21 months since the Article 370 judgment. There has been no movement towards the restoration of statehood,” submitted senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, adding that the Constitution Bench had trusted the Union government when the Solicitor General assured it that statehood would be restored.

Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, questioning the maintainability of the applications, urged the apex court to consider the “peculiar position” in J&K and sought that the pleas be listed after eight weeks, saying this was not the “correct stage” to consider the matter. “These applications are not maintainable. We had assured two things: The election would be held, and thereafter, statehood. Your lordships are aware of the peculiar position emerging from this part of our country. There are several considerations,” said SG Mehta.

“I don’t know why, at this stage, this issue is agitated, but list it after 8 weeks. I will take instructions. My prayer is for eight weeks because this particular stage is not the correct stage to muddy the water,” Mehta added. After hearing the submissions, the CJI Gavai-led Bench sought the Union government’s stand on the matter and posted it for hearing after eight weeks.

In the ‘Article 370 of the Constitution’ verdict, a 5-judge Constitution Bench, headed by then CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, had left open the question of whether the Parliament can extinguish the character of statehood by converting a state into one or more Union Territories, relying on an oral statement made on the Centre’s behalf that statehood would be restored to J&K. In the course of the oral hearing, the Solicitor General, the second-highest law officer of the Centre, had submitted that the Union Home Ministry cannot give any exact timeframe and it would take “some time” for the restoration of statehood in J&K.

-IANS

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Six years after the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, J&K stands transformed – not just in its constitutional status, but in its developmental trajectory.

The decision taken on 5 August 2019, marked a watershed moment in India’s political history, ending decades of special status and ushering in a new era of integration, reform, and revitalisation for the region.

What followed was not merely administrative reconfiguration but a concerted effort to reimagine Jammu and Kashmir as a dynamic contributor to India’s growth story.

One of the most striking changes has been the expansion of physical connectivity. All-weather roads now traverse the mountainous terrain, linking remote valleys to urban centres.

Railway lines have reached Srinagar, and the Chenab Bridge, now the world’s tallest single-arch railway bridge, symbolises the region’s integration with the national grid. These infrastructural feats are more than engineering marvels; they are lifelines of commerce, mobility, and inclusion.

The economic indicators reflect this momentum. For the fiscal year 2025–26, the Union Territory’s budget allocation stands at Rs 41,000 crore, with Rs 9,325 crore dedicated to policing and security.

The Economic Survey Report for 2024–25 projects an 11.19 per cent rise in nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), reaching Rs 2.65 lakh crore. Real GSDP is expected to touch Rs 1.45 lakh crore, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.89 per cent over the past decade. Per capita income is also on the rise, estimated to grow by 10.6 per cent to Rs 1,54,703 – an indicator of improving livelihoods.

Sectoral contributions to the GDP reveal a balanced economic structure; the primary sector contributes 20 per cent, the secondary 18.3 per cent, and the tertiary sector leads with 61.7 per cent.

Investment interest has surged, with over 8,500 applications proposing Rs 1.69 lakh crore in capital and employment opportunities for more than six lakh individuals. Land allotments under the Industrial Policy 2016–26 and the Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021–30 have facilitated industrial expansion, with 213 non-locals and 1,751 locals receiving plots for economic activity.

Entrepreneurship has emerged as a cornerstone of this transformation. The “Jammu Kashmir Konnect programme,” launched in January 2025, formalised a partnership between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute. The Startup Policy has already registered 988 ventures and conducted 601 awareness programmes across 20 districts, supported by incubators at IIT-Jammu, IIM-Jammu, and NIT-Srinagar.

A Rs 250 crore venture capital fund has further catalysed innovation in agri-tech, handicrafts, and digital services, a report published in The Geostrata magazine said.

Agriculture and horticulture have also seen renewed focus. The area under key horticulture crops has expanded by 10,000 hectares, and production has increased by 4.13 lakh metric tonnes. The Holistic Agriculture Development Plan envisions fruit cultivation across 50,000 hectares by 2047, aiming to boost rural incomes and diversify the agrarian economy.

Lavender farming under the Aroma Mission and integration of mandis into the electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) have brought transparency and profitability to farmers. Tourism, long considered the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, has experienced a dramatic resurgence.

In 2024, tourism contributed 7 per cent to the Union Territory’s GSDP, amounting to Rs 18,550 crore in nominal terms and Rs 10,150 crore in real terms. The government has allocated Rs 390 crore for tourism capital expenditure in 2026, with non-tax revenue from the sector expected to double from Rs 50 crore in 2025 to Rs 100 crore in 2026.

The administration’s tourism policy, launched in 2020, aims to generate 50,000 jobs annually and attract Rs 2,000 crore in investment each year. In 2024, a record 2.36 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir.

Air connectivity has expanded significantly, with Indian Airlines operating 4,300 flights to Srinagar between April and June 2025 – an increase of 12 per cent over 2024 and 21 per cent over 2023. Srinagar’s recognition as a UNESCO “World Craft City” and the successful hosting of the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting have elevated the region’s global profile.

Gulmarg remains a major attraction, with its Gondola ride drawing over 7.68 lakh visitors in 2024 and generating Rs 103 crore in revenue. The ski resort has hosted four editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for adventure tourism.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden also broke records, welcoming over 6.71 lakh visitors in just 20 days after its opening in March 2025. Srinagar’s first international marathon in October 2024 added another feather to the cap, with 2,005 participants and Rs 39.26 lakh in registration fees.

Infrastructure development has been central to this transformation. The Valley is witnessing a highway renaissance, with 47 projects spanning 810 km and Rs 41,735 crore in investment reshaping its terrain. The rollout of wayside amenities, including EV charging stations and rest areas, signals a future-ready approach to mobility.

Railway expansion, including the electrification of the Baramulla–Sangaldan line and the inauguration of the Banihal–Sangaldan stretch, has further enhanced connectivity. Education and healthcare have not lagged.

The IIM Jammu campus, three IITs, and dozens of Navodaya and Kendriya Vidyalayas reflect a commitment to nurturing talent. AIIMS Jammu, operational since August 2024, and the upcoming AIIMS Awantipora promise world-class medical care within the Valley.

Under Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY SEHAT, over 21 lakh golden cards have been issued, providing free health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year. Together, these developments reflect a region in transition – not just politically, but economically and socially.

The abrogation of Article 370 catalysed a shift from isolation to integration, from stagnation to growth. Jammu and Kashmir is no longer defined solely by its past; it is shaping a future rooted in opportunity, inclusion, and resilience.

From the quiet waters of Dal Lake to the heights of the Chenab Bridge, the region now stands poised – not just for development, but for dignity and lasting peace.

-IANS

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National award-winning actress Priyamani, known for her role in the Bollywood film Article 370 released on 23 February 2024, recently spoke about her unforgettable moments during the film’s production. In an interview, she shared how she was overwhelmed when she handled the documents related to the abrogation of Article 370, expressing that it gave her goosebumps. She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “I was literally shivering when I held the documents related to the Article 370 abrogation! I realized how skillfully PM Modi carried out such a historic move without shedding a drop of blood.”

Priyamani also discussed the controversies surrounding the film, with some labeling it as propaganda. “We still face such accusations, but it’s alright,” she said. “At the end of the day, we are incredibly proud that a woman-led film ran for 100 days — what more could we ask for?” She added that receiving recognition from the Prime Minister himself was a great honor and reiterated her belief in the film’s quality.

Although there were initial doubts before its release, Priyamani noted that after watching it, audiences’ perceptions shifted. She attributed this to the fact that the film told the truth, despite some creative liberties. “The character played by Yami Gautam was based on a real officer, though for security reasons, we couldn’t reveal her identity. My character represented the PMO, not a single individual but possibly an entire team. Every aspect of the portrayal was carefully reviewed with the PMO’s involvement.”

Reflecting on her preparation for the role, Priyamani explained that she learned a lot about the history of the Article 370 abrogation during filming. She emphasized that many citizens were distracted by less significant matters at the time of the event, failing to understand the true significance and the fact that the move was executed peacefully, without any loss of life. “The way our honorable Prime Minister orchestrated the abrogation was incredibly strategic and smart. I received not only a history lesson on the event but also on how the PMO functions,” she said.

Priyamani recalled the intense moment when she first saw the original official orders related to the abrogation.  “The main reason why it was abrogated and the way they went about abrogating it, I think that was the most important thing. Because when such things happen, there is generally a loss of life, but when this article was abrogated, not even a single life was lost. That was the actual truth. Not a single life was lost without a single drop of blood. And for all that, very smartly and cleverly, our honorable PM went about abrogating the article and everything. In this, what I got from the history lesson is that it has happened in the PMO. When we got the copy, which was not the original copy of the order, but when we got the copy of the original order my hands trembled and I was like, ‘Really, are you actually saying that such a thing happened and it was actually there'”

Actor Priyamani shares her goosebump moments of doing #Article370 movie.

She says “I was literally shivering when I held documents related to Article 370 abrogation! Realised how PM Modi skillfully executed historic move without shedding a drop of blood."pic.twitter.com/FKUdHkweTF

— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) March 3, 2025

When asked if she had kept a copy of the order at home, she laughed and said no but mentioned that she might request one. She also shared a special moment when she received a letter from the Home Minister’s office last year, acknowledging her work on the film. “Receiving an official letter with the Indian emblem filled me with immense pride,” she said. Along with the letter, she was gifted a copy of the Ramayana in the form of stamps, which she found incredible.

Lastly, Priyamani expressed her gratitude for the recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it an extraordinary moment for everyone involved in the film.

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

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Jammu and Kashmir is celebrating the ‘Samvidhan Diwas’ on Tuesday for the first time since 1950, when Parliament adopted the country’s Constitution. The government has issued instructions for the grand celebrations of Constitution Day.

“Considering the significance of the completion of 75 years of adoption of the Constitution, the day is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm to reiterate the core values enshrined in the Constitution of India and motivate citizens to take their rightful role in the campaign. Officials said this year holds special significance as it commemorates 75 years of the ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan’.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha will lead the Constitution Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir. The main event will feature a Preamble reading ceremony at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Under the theme “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan,” similar ceremonies will be held across Jammu and Kashmir in government offices, PSUs, educational institutions, and rural areas. Photographs of the events are to be uploaded to the dedicated website www.constitution75.com, and participants can stay updated on related activities through the MyGov web portal.

The General Administration Department (GAD) has directed all divisional commissioners, department heads, deputy commissioners, and PSU managing directors to ensure the successful organisation of these ceremonies across their respective locations. As Constitution Day is being celebrated, the High Court of J&K and Ladakh has ordered the reading of the Preamble. “26th November is celebrated as Constitution Day…The available senior Hon’ble Judge at each wing of the High Court will lead the reading of the Preamble to the Constitution, whereas, the Principal District Judges shall lead the reading of the Preamble to the Constitution at their respective District Headquarters and the senior most Judicial Officer at Taluka Court,” Registrar General of the high court, Shahzad Azeem said in an order adding that the Registrar Judicial, High Court Wing Jammu and Srinagar, shall make all the necessary arrangements for holding the ceremony of reading the Preamble to the Constitution in their respective Wings.

–IANS

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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday attacked the Congress for its “nefarious designs” of bringing back the dark era of terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and questioned the party’s silence over an Assembly resolution to revive Article 370 and 35A of Constitution. “By supporting the National Conference’s proposal to reintroduce Article 370 and 35A in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Congress has once again started the conspiracy to divide the country,” said Sai.

The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister said that whatever happened in the J&K Assembly was done to please Pakistan and anti-national people and to mislead the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that when this proposal was being passed in the Assembly, the BJP members were opposing it while the Congress members were silently supporting it. Those standing for the unity of the country, those standing in favour of development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir were marshalled out of the Assembly, he said. The BJP leader said the resolution passed in the J&K Assembly had no legal validity because it was not above the Parliament or the Supreme Court.

“No Assembly can bring back Article 370 and 35A that have become history. The National Conference is misleading the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, questioning the role of the Assembly Speaker who passed the resolution by voice vote without discussion. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the Congress-NC and the PDP want to bring terrorism back to Jammu and Kashmir. This is the anti-national agenda of the Congress and the National Conference, he said, adding that National Conference leaders Sheikh Abdullah and Omar Abdullah have developed a habit of emotional blackmail. Claiming that the Congress, National Conference and PDP were unhappy with progress in J&K, the Chhattisgarh CM said that the union territory has adopted the path of development after emerging from the dark shadow of Article 370 and 35A. He said that after the removal of Article 370, incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir have reduced by 70 per cent.

Civilian deaths have also reduced by about 80 per cent. There has been a 300 per cent increase in foreign tourists, the budget of Jammu and Kashmir has increased by 17 per cent, incidents of stone pelting have stopped completely and terrorist incidents have been limited to two to three districts, he said. Three times more investment has been made in J&K in the last four years as compared to the investment that came into the UT from Independence till the removal of Article 370, he said.

Talking about the resolution passed in the J&K Assembly, the Chhattisgarh CM said Jammu and Kashmir Congress Legislature Party leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir had admitted that his party was supporting the people’s anger against the withdrawal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and its division. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Mir should clarify their position on the removal of Article 370. Another Congress leader Saifuddin Soz had supported this proposal to reintroduce Article 370 and 35A by issuing a press release on the topic, he said.

–IANS

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J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while commenting on PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Parra’s resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370, said on Monday that the resolution tabled by a private member has little significance. Omar Abdullah said in the Assembly that a single MLA’s private resolution during remarks over the Speaker’s election carries no meaning. He, however, admitted that the majority of people in J&K have not endorsed the changes made in 2019 and thereafter.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha in his address to the Assembly said that he fully endorsed the Chief Minister’s demand for restoration of statehood to J&K. There was a ruckus in the Assembly when Waheed ur Rehman Parra brought in the resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 as BJP MLAs opposed the move and raised a hue and cry in the house. During the ruckus, the Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned the house for 15 minutes. NC leader and 7-times MLA, Abdul Rahim Rather was elected as the Speaker of J&K Assembly on Monday while Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed ur Rehman Parra introduced a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370.

Pro-tem Speaker Mubarak Gul of the NC announced that Abdul Rahim Rather has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Assembly. As PDP MLA from Pulwama constituency of the Valley, Waheed ur Rehman Parra introduced a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370, NC spokesman and MLA Tanvir Sadiq had already said that the NC will bring in a resolution for restoration of Article 370 in the current session of the J&K Assembly.

Interestingly, while the Congress is committed to support the restoration of statehood to J&K, its MLAs are unlikely to support the resolution to restore Article 370 if the NC chooses to bring it up in the session. NC had made the restoration of statehood and Article 370 its main electoral plank. Although the passing of a resolution for restoration of article 370 by the J&K Assembly would have no bearing on the supremacy of the Indian Parliament on this issue, the NC strategy is basically meant to mount pressure on the Centre on one hand and prove to the voters on the other hand that the party stands by its electoral promises.

The five-day long session of J&K Assembly began on Monday with the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s address. NC has 42 seats, BJP has 28 (one seat has fallen vacant because of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana’s death), Congress 6, PDP 3, CPI-M 1, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 1, Peoples Conference (PC) 1 and Independents 7.

–IANS

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J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that “everybody must accept the reality” that J&K is a Union Territory. His comment came at a media interaction on the J&K Foundation Day – to coincide with the Reorganisation Act 2019 when the erstwhile state was downgraded to a UT, as the ruling NC and its allies, including the Congress, stayed away from the celebrations. Thursday was the 5th anniversary of J&K’s reorganisation into a UT.

“Things took the shape as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah that first, delimitation, then Assembly polls, and then statehood at an appropriate time. At present, J&K is a UT and everyone must accept this reality. When J&K becomes a state again, we will celebrate that day as well,” the Lt Governor said to a question about the ruling party’s abstention on the occasion. NC spokesman and MLA Tanvir Sadiq had on Wednesday announced that nobody from his party would attend the UT Day function at SKICC as it doesn’t accept J&K as a UT.

In an obvious reference to NC leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Cabinet ministers, Sinha said: “It was unfortunate that those who took oath under the Indian Constitution are opposing UT status of J&K. This reflects their dual character.” The LG said that Panchayat polls couldn’t be held due to the delay in reservation for backward classes and that the J&K administration is committed to holding the elections as soon as possible. He said that under the leadership of PM Modi, J&K touched new heights of development and peace. “The development is visible from roads to train to hospitals to medical colleges. The outside investment will soon go from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs one lakh crore. J&K Bank was pulled out from the debt and today this bank is a profit-earning institution that gives loans to everyone in need. Today it is a people’s bank. The progress bank is an example of a change J&K has gone through in the past few years.”

“In the past five years, J&K marched ahead with peace and prosperity. Lal Chowk’s identity was changed and today it is known for something else. Pulwama Chowk witnesses anti-terrorist protests and candlelight marches. Post 2019, the air has changed. In the past few days, some terrorist incidents took place where brave men lost their lives. But I believe that J&K Police and other forces will give the perpetrators a befitting reply,” the LG said. “Efforts are on to root out the terrorism from J&K. Time is not far when J&K would be free from terror. Peace is a must for J&K’s progress. Some people are trying to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. I request them, refrain from provocative statements as it was after huge efforts that J&K is a peaceful place today,” he said.

The NC and Congress decided to stay away from Thursday’s celebrations saying that whatever happened on August 5, 2019 (Abrogation of Article 370 &downgrading of J&K into UT) was unconstitutional and immoral.

–IANS

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Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday said that the people in J&K want Article 370 reinstated, but they have no expectations from the BJP. “We all want the return of Article 370 but we cannot expect anything from the BJP. Even Congress fails to speak on this crucial issue. Restoring Article 370 through the Assembly is impossible, but we can introduce legislation to ensure that no outsider can buy land or secure jobs in our region. This was the essence of Article 370,” Azad said while addressing a poll rally in Jammu.

“I do not cheat, lie, or mislead. I recognise that some people have become accustomed to falsehoods and have been voting based on those lies, but I speak the truth, which only a few may comprehend. I will never give false hope or make unrealistic promises,” he added. He said that for years, political parties have used division as a tactic, offering excuses not to develop both regions that have led to conflict, while those in power continue to enjoy their privileges. Ghulam Nabi Azad urged people to recognise that their shared struggles should unite them rather than create rifts, stressing that only through unity can genuine progress be achieved. Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister, he noted, “People witnessed real progress and development during my time. Through double and triple shifts, we initiated a developmental revolution that no other leader has been able to replicate. Many projects that I sanctioned remain incomplete to this day, highlighting the urgent need for a renewed focus on development.”

Azad acknowledged the disillusionment among people. “People are fed up with the empty promises that have resulted in nothing but chaos and division,” Azad stated. “Today, we must focus on creating jobs for our youth, who are increasingly becoming involved in drugs, this is the biggest issue we face.” He highlighted the desire for peace and unity among the people of Jammu, stating, “Whether in Samba, Gandhi Nagar, or Bakshi Nagar, the people of Jammu yearn for harmony. This is part of our Dogra culture and we must strive to maintain this unity. We cannot allow ourselves to be influenced by parties that seek to divide us.” Azad further said that his return to the state is driven by a desire to serve the poor, who remain deprived of basic necessities such as water and electricity. “We will restore the Roshni scheme, which previously benefited the poor, but unfortunately, this government revoked it. Our focus will be on ensuring that every citizen has access to the essential services they deserve,” Azad stated.

In his address, he also outlined a development agenda that includes the creation of more districts, schools, tehsils, colleges, and roads to enhance infrastructure and educational opportunities in the region.

–IANS

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Shehbaz Sharif’s administration in Pakistan and the Congress-National Conference alliance share a similar stance on reinstating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, their Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said. His comments come as the region approaches its first Assembly elections since the revocation of its special status in 2019.

In an interview with Geo News, Asif mentioned a “strong possibility” that the Congress-National Conference coalition might win the elections and form a government in the Union Territory.

“The alliance has made the restoration of Article 370 a key election issue. Pakistan and the Congress-National Conference alliance are aligned on reinstating Articles 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir.”

While the National Conference has pledged to work towards restoring Article 370, the Congress has remained silent on the issue, not addressing it in their manifesto. However, the Congress has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring full statehood.

Pakistan, a terrorist state, endorses Congress and National Conference’s position on Kashmir!

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, on Hamid Mir’s Capital Talk on Geo News says, “Pakistan and National Conference-Congress alliance are on the same page in Jammu & Kashmir to… pic.twitter.com/ObeXJEGu2u

— Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) September 19, 2024

Congress Manifesto

The manifesto said it is the Congress’s “sacred duty” to fight “divisive forces.” For doing that, the party has no problem cooperating with like-minded political parties.

In the manifesto, the party neither supported the abrogation of Article 370 nor backed its restoration. However, it promised to re-establish the Legislative Council, which was abolished after the abrogation of Article 370. It vowed to hold panchayat and urban bodies elections under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments.

The Congress promised to provide inclusive and accountable governance. They pledged to restore the 149-year-old practice of shuttling government offices between Srinagar and Jammu cities every six months. It vowed to give preference to domiciled citizens of J&K for government jobs. The party also promises to bring a white paper on corruption and set up Lokayukta within the first 100 days of coming to power.

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On Monday, Congress released its manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, promising to restore the Union Territory’s full statehood if elected. However, it remained silent on Article 370.

The manifesto stated that it is the “sacred duty” of the Congress to fight “divisive forces” and for doing that, the party has no problem in cooperating with like-minded political parties. In the manifesto, the party neither supported the abrogation of Article 370 nor backed its restoration. However, it promised to re-establish the Legislative Council, which was abolished after the abrogation of Article 370 and vowed to hold panchayat and urban bodies elections under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments.

The Congress promised to provide inclusive and accountable governance. The party also pledged to restore the 149-year-old practice of six monthly shuttling of top government offices between Srinagar and Jammu cities. The party vowed to give preference to domicile citizens of J&K in government jobs. According to the manifesto, if elected, the party will bring a white paper on corruption and set up Lokayukta within the first 100 days of coming to power.

The Congress further promised to empower MLAs to deliver on the aspirations of those who elect them. “There would be no eviction of poor people and farmers from lands under their continuous occupation,” it said. The party said that it will implement the Public Services Guarantee Act in letter and spirit. Further, the Congress pledged to confer all rights on displaced persons from west Pakistan who came to J&K in 1947, 1965 and 1971. “Will regularise Bastis of displaced persons and refugees,” it said. Under the Mahila Samman Scheme, the Congress promised to provide Rs 3,000 monthly to women heads of households among the Economically Weaker Sections. Besides, the party promised to give an unemployment allowance to qualified youth of up to Rs 3,500 per month for one year.

The party said it will fill 1 lakh vacant government posts and provide a job calendar within the first 30 days to fill them. “We will provide Rs 25 lakh health insurance coverage including treatment, diagnostics and medicines,” it said. “Our manifesto reflects our commitment to a higher vision, that of listening to the inner voice. It is not the ‘Mann ki Baat’ of one individual but the collective voice of crores of people. We have used all possible tools – Website, WhatsApp, Email, online petitions, and meetings with citizens, experts, stakeholders and grassroots activists. The Manifesto Committee of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee held discussions with a wide variety of people before deciding on our vision,” the party said.

–IANS

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