Art 370, 35-A kept J&K away for progress: LG
Asserting that the government is aiming for higher economic growth, fast infrastructure development while preserving cultural ethos of the Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said that the Article 370 &35-A kept Union Territory away from progress as well as prosperity.
“Deliberate attempts were made to keep Jammu Kashmir, the land of spirituality and wisdom, away from progress & prosperity due to Article 370 and 35-A. The lack of access to benefits brought stagnation to growth,” LG said while addressing a seminar on ‘Society, Culture & Social Change: Kashmir & Beyond’ organised by Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and Indian Sociological Society.
“Discrimination was a norm and social welfare was an exception. However, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all the progressive laws were implemented and reforms were introduced to bring J&K at par with other developed states,” he added.
Speaking on the social transformation taking place in different sectors in Jammu and Kashmir in the past three years, he said that accelerated pace of development, participative, transparent and accountable governance system, massive investment flow, easy accessibility of public service, empowerment of women and deprived section of the society is being ensured to end Social-inequality.
“J&K UT’s socio-economic & cultural sector is witnessing transformation. We aim for higher economic growth, fast infrastructure development while preserving & promoting our cultural ethos,” Sinha said.
He further added that the unprecedented change taking place in Jammu and Kashmir is also helping to promote the cultural activities.
“A cinema hall is opening this month after three decades. The Culture of organizing literary festivals, art camps have picked up across the UT. Local Handicrafts and handlooms sectors have been revived and a new dawn has been witnessed by the tourism sector,” he added.
