Article 370 of the Constitution of India
The provision of Article 370 was drafted by Shaikh Abdullah, who was appointed as the First Prime Minister of Kashmir by Maharaja Hari Singh and Jawaharlal Nehru. Shaikh Abdullah wanted it should not be placed in Indian Constitution as a temporary provision, he wanted permanent autonomy for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Provisions of Article 370
The Central Government needs approval from the State Government of Jammu and Kashmir on all matters of law apart from defense, Finance and Communication, and Foreign Affairs.
The Indian Government does not have the power to declare Financial Emergency in the state. In fact, an emergency can only be declared in Jammu and Kashmir on grounds of internal disturbance and instances of danger from a foreign enemy.
The state government in Jammu and Kashmir has full control over the governance of the state without any kind of interference from the Central government.
Article 370 ensures that citizens of any other state in India cannot buy property in Jammu and Kashmir.
If a woman from Jammu and Kashmir marries a man from any other state of India she loses her right to ownership in the state.
Historical Background
It was the treaty of Amritsar signed between the British government and Maharaja Gulab Singh on March 16, 1846, which formulated Jammu and Kashmir into a single political and geographic entity. The newly formed state mainly comprised of three districts – Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. While India saw development in the fight for independence from the British rule, a similar uproar was found in Kashmir to fight against autocracy under the leadership of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Consequently, the autocratic rule came down heavily on the people’s freedom movement.
The movement gained ground and momentum when 22 protesters were martyred on July 13, 1931. Further, the National Conference headed by Mohammad Abdullah emerged as a mass movement and was backed by the strong will of people to fight against autocracy. The National Conference headed by people’s movement further witnessed several ups and downs followed by changes in circumstances and fortunes in the leadership of Mohammad Abdullah.
Tourism Business
The number of tourists in Kashmir was 1,64,000 and 1,52,000 in June and July 2019, respectively. The numbers are increasing every month as tourists from all over the country or even abroad visit J&K. In such a situation, hotel and transportation business can flourish in the state. Besides, if the real estate industry also invests in the state, then the business will witness tremendous growth, whereas the employment will also increase. All the residents of the state will have equal rights on increased employment.
