SRINAGAR – As many as 106 laws and nine constitutional amendments of the Indian Constitution will now be made applicable to Jammu and Kashmir following scrapping of Article 370 and Article 35 A by the centre on August 5, a government spokesperson said here on Tuesday.
The government has issued full front page advertisements highlighting the benefits of scrapping Article 370 and Article 35A.
Meanwhile, life remained crippled for the 65th day on Tuesday in Kashmir valley, where people are protesting against scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A, besides dividing the state into two Union Territories.
The spokesperson said that before the Articles were scrapped, applicable of central laws to J&K was limited. “No central law could be made applicable before passing it in the state Assembly as a result many laws could not be applicable to J&K, depriving the local residents of the benefits of these legislations,” he said.
He said many progressive laws such as National Commission for Minority Act, Right to Education Act, Maintenance and Welfare of parents and senior citizens Act, 2001, and other acts benefiting women, children and disabled will now be applicable to J&K.
The spokesperson alleged that lack of strong laws led to corruption and poor accountability in J&K following which much of the funding failed to reach the poor. “Despite massive spending, little impact was seen on the ground,” he said.
However, he said now all anti corruption central laws, including Whistle Blower act, will be applicable to the state. “Due to these laws transparency and accountability will increase and funds earmarked for the people will actually reach the beneficiaries,” he added.
He said there will be a significant upgrade in education facilities of all, particularly the children of the poor. “The focus of the government will be education, industrialization and boost of tourism,” he added.
