Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation following the revocation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh into Union Territories, stating that a new era of development has begun for the region.
He described the decision as a historic step and said it fulfilled the aspirations of leaders such as Sardar Patel, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Key points from the address
1. End of Article 370 and its implications
The Prime Minister said:
Article 370 had long been considered permanent but was now revoked
It had acted as an obstacle to development and equal rights in Jammu & Kashmir
Citizens were previously unable to fully access several constitutional protections and welfare laws
He argued that its removal ensures equal application of national laws across the region.
2. Extension of rights and laws
He highlighted that, under the new व्यवस्था:
Labour laws and minimum wage protections will apply uniformly
Safeguards for sanitation workers and marginalized groups will be ensured
Stronger legal protections against atrocities will be extended
3. Governance and employment
The Prime Minister stated that:
Recruitment in government and public sector roles will be expanded
Private sector participation in job creation will be encouraged
Efforts will be made to integrate Jammu & Kashmir employees, including police personnel, with national standards
4. Development and infrastructure
He cited development initiatives already underway, including:
IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS in the region
Irrigation and power projects
Strengthening of anti-corruption mechanisms
5. Security and stability
The Prime Minister emphasized:
Over 42,000 deaths in past decades due to violence in the region
The new system aims to eliminate terrorism and separatism
A focus on establishing long-term peace and stability
Overall message
The address framed the constitutional changes as a transformative step intended to:
Ensure legal and social equality
Accelerate development
Improve governance efficiency
Strengthen security and integration of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh with the rest of India.
