Today, 5th August 2022, the nation celebrates its third anniversary of Article 370 being revoked. When Article 370 removed the country’s connection to Jammu and Kashmir, it could form a new constitution without external involvement. The separate status granted to Jammu and Kashmir ended when the government of India removed Article 370 in 2019. There were effective changes in Jammu and Kashmir after removal of Article 370. But, what does Article 370 say? What are the advantages of article 370? Read here the article 370 Advantages And Disadvantages.
In this blog article, Article 370 advantages and disadvantages amount to 7 points, where the majority of them belong to what are the advantages of Article 370 being revoked. On the occasion of India completing 3 years from revoking Article 370, look back into what it was like when article 370 removed India’s interference power from Jammu and Kashmir entirely.
What Does Article 370 Say?
Answer to the question, what does Article 370 say, is that the state of Jammu and Kashmir has a special status in terms of formulating new laws and minimal or zero interference from other states.
According to the Constitution of India, Article 370 states that the residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir are privileged with a special status of separate laws and independence in all areas of governance except defence, foreign affairs and communication policies. In short, Article 370 separated the state of Jammu and Kashmir from other Indian states in governance. Residents of the state experienced the consequences of Article 370 advantages and disadvantages even.
Article 370 was imposed in 1957 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then president, for not allowing anyone outside the state to own property or get a job in Jammu and Kashmir amongst the ongoing issues with neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China. That was when article 370 removed Indian involvement from its governing policies.
Cancellation of Article 370 – When Article 370 Removed India’s participation
On 5th August 2019, the parliament of India voted in favour of a resolution to revoke Article 370, changing the status of India-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, from a state to a Union territory. When article 370 removed the historical territorial issues, the neighbouring countries like Pakistan and China backed off.
The revocation of Article 370 restored the integrity of the Indian boundary and ensured equal growth for the nation. When Article 370 removed Indian involvement, there was a separate flag and different constitutional rights for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. No one was allowed to buy property, pursue education or even vote in the state other than the residents. The changes in Jammu and Kashmir after removal of Article 370 were quite evident and most people openly supported the decision.
Removal Of Article 370 – Revoking The Decision
The removal of Article 370 was a long issue since its imposition. Many governments made assurance of claims for successful removal of Article 370 but kept delaying. Finally, in 2019, the long-awaited decision was proposed by the BJP government, to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the nation and prove Article 370 as null and void.
According to the Indian constitution, clause 3 of Article 370, it can cease to exist under presidential order with equal consultation from the Jammu and Kashmir assembly and Parliament of India.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly took a combined decision. Presidential orders were released with complete support of opposition to prove Article 370 null and void. On 5th August 2019, Article 370 disintegrated entirely.
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Changes In Jammu and Kashmir After Removal of Article 370
The people of Jammu and Kashmir welcomed the revocation of Article 370 with both hands.
Supporting the decision, it was clearly for the benefit of the people. It aimed for steady growth and development of Jammu and Kashmir as an integrated state of India. It was a win-win situation.
Following were the changes in Jammu and Kashmir after removal of Article 370:
- Open to companies for investment, resulting in more job opportunities
- Educational and employment opportunities
- Benefits of Right to Education and Right to Information along with access to government scholarships
- Open to land investments and property-owning
- Reduction in combined terrorism crimes
Article 370 Advantages and Disadvantages
After the removal of Article 370, although the decision received praises from all, mixed opinions were forming. Many people condemned the decision and termed it an act of dictatorship. With opinionated views of perspective, ‘Article 370 advantages and disadvantages’ turned into an elaborately discussed topic on various news shows and interviews.
What Are The Advantages Of Article 370 Being Revoked?
1. One nation, one constitution
After the removal of Article 370, the same rules and constitutional rights apply to all states of India, along with Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Less terrorism and more opportunities
Lands opening for investment and buying purposes attracted businesses, creating job opportunities. This also resulted in fewer criminal cases related to terrorism in the state.
3. Access to all Indian rights and benefits
Now, residents of Jammu and Kashmir can access the Right to Education and Right to Information with scholarship and stewardship benefits provided by the government.
4. A step towards faster development
After the laws opened, private factories were set up, increasing the chances of equal growth and development in the state. According to the records, the state witnessed approximately a 40% decrease in its unemployment rate.
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What Are Disadvantages Of Article 370 Being Revoked?
1. A discriminatory decision
Since the state’s special status is void, the decision is considered discriminatory. Speculations expected violent turmoil. Fortunately, nothing like that happened. But, the citizens of the state had to pay the returns by staying in their homes just like lockdowns. There were no internet connections or communication lines in the state for more than 4-5 months. During the time, the local politicians including the former chief minister were taken into custody.
2. Act of dictatorship
Power now lies in the hands of the central government and not the state government, which is speculated as an act of dictatorship.
3. Status change
Jammu and Kashmir is now a union territory and no more a special state.
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Final Words
The revocation of Article 370 is quite a considerable act of unity focusing on one country, one law. It is a step towards better relations and combining the nation’s growth, ending all territorial turmoil. When article 370 removed the country’s involvement with Jammu and Kashmir, the state lost many opportunities. Changes in Jammu and Kashmir after removal of Article 370 provide a balance to the state by claiming to offer multiple possibilities and a terrorism-free environment.
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