JAMMU, Jan 04: Referring to the recently abrogated Article 370 as a ‘Nasoor’ (sore spot), Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed on Thursday that he had never anticipated the removal of this provision.
“That provision (Article 370) of the Constitution of India which was temporary had become a sore spot for us. What a good day today that that provision is not there in the constitution,” said Dhankhar.
Addressing after the inauguration of the Biotech Startup Expo on “Emerging Startup Trends in North India” in Kathua district, the Vice President said that Article 370 and 35 A were “obstacles to democratic governance”.
“With Article 370 no longer being part of the Constitution, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s dream has been translated into reality” he said, acknowledging the significant roles played by the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary in achieving this milestone.
He emphasized that Article 370 had become detrimental to the nation, creating an ecosystem that handicapped the people of the region.
“The removal of Articles 370 and 35A eliminated obstacles to democratic governance, ushering in a transformed scenario in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Vice President said.
Applauding the empowerment of previously marginalized sections in the region, the Vice-President highlighted the positive impact on women’s rights, including property rights, following the abrogation of Article 370.
Vice President Dhankhar outlined five fundamental parameters or ‘Panchatantra’ —peace and stability, equality of law, transparency and accountability in governance, an ecosystem favouring meritocracy, and empowerment of women—as ground realities in India today. He commended the government’s initiatives in creating opportunities for women in Jammu and Kashmir and cautioned against allowing politics to impede progress.
Dhankhar also mentioned the opportunities that have opened up for the women of Jammu and Kashmir, with the availability of property rights following abrogation of Article 370, in addition to the rights conferred by the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Expressing his appreciation for the nation’s progress in the domain of biotechnology, the Vice-President made special mention of India’s position as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, having a greater number of unicorns than China.
He underscored the importance of nurturing a robust research ecosystem and acknowledged the government’s focus on creating a conducive environment for startups, instrumental in fostering innovation in the country.
“The abrogation of Article 370, coupled with government initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, has led to “development being completely delinked from partisan interests,” stated Vice President Dhankhar, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to progress and inclusivity.
In his address, Dhankhar also congratulated the graduating students and awardees of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Jammu, whose 8th convocation ceremony he was scheduled to attend earlier in the day.
He conveyed his regrets for his inability to attend the event owing to adverse weather conditions. The flight had to be rerouted through Pathankot prior to the event in Kathua, owing to the deteriorating weather situation.
