Question

Mention any two consequences of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.

Hint:

Key consequences to remember: (i) Removal of Article 370 and 35A, (ii) Bifurcation into two UTs, (iii) Full application of Indian Constitution and laws.

Answer 1

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 was passed by the Parliament of India on 5th August 2019. This act reorganized the state of Jammu and Kashmir and had significant political, legal, and social consequences. It marked a historic change in the constitutional status of the region.
Major Consequences of the Act:
1. Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A:
- Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was revoked.
- Article 35A, which granted special rights to permanent residents (such as exclusive right to buy property and get government jobs), was also removed.
- As a result, Jammu and Kashmir was brought under the same legal framework as the rest of India.
2. Reorganization into Union Territories:
- The state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories: - Jammu and Kashmir (with a Legislative Assembly). - Ladakh (without a Legislative Assembly).
- This reduced the autonomy of the region, bringing it directly under greater control of the central government.
3. Application of Indian Laws:
- Earlier, many central laws were not applicable in J& K due to its special status. After the act, all provisions of the Indian Constitution and central laws were fully extended.
- Fundamental Rights, Right to Education, Right to Information, and reservations for Scheduled Castes and Tribes became fully applicable.
4. Economic and Social Consequences:
- Land ownership restrictions were removed, allowing people from outside the region to buy property and invest.
- This opened the door for greater economic integration, tourism, and industrial development.
- Critics, however, feared that it might affect the cultural identity and demographic composition of the region.
5. Political Consequences:
- Many regional leaders were detained after the announcement to prevent protests.
- Political parties in the region strongly opposed the move, calling it unconstitutional.
- At the same time, supporters viewed it as a step towards national unity and security.
Conclusion:
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 had wide-ranging consequences. It abolished the special status of J& K, reorganized it into Union Territories, extended all Indian laws, and aimed to bring development and integration. However, it also sparked debates on federalism, democracy, and regional identity.