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Essay on Article 370: Article 370 of the Indian Constitution gave the State of Jammy and Kashmir a special status. However, on 5 August 2019, the Indian Government abrogated this special status and divided the state into two union territories: Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh. Left-wing extremists have raised their concerns over the removal of this special status but the government and the Indian Military have welcomed this decision as it will reduce cross-border terrorism in the valley. Today, we will discuss sample essays on Article 370 for school students.
Table of Contents
Essay on Article 370 in 500+ Words
On 5 August 2019, the Indian Government issued a Presidential order to remove Article 370, followed by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This act converted the state into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This essay delves into the implications of this decision, the historical context of Article 370 and the debates surrounding its abrogation.
Historical Context and Provisions of Article 370
Article 370 was included in the Indian Constitution on October 17, 1949, to grant special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. This special status was rooted in the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947, which allowed Jammu and Kashmir to accede to India on matters of defence, foreign affairs, and communications. The state was exempted from the complete applicability of the Indian Constitution and had the power to form its own Constitution. The central government’s power was limited, and certain central laws could be extended to the state only with the concurrence of the state government.
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The Need for Change
Over the decades, Jammu and Kashmir became a flashpoint for conflicts, notably between India and Pakistan, leading to wars in 1947, 1965, 1971, and the Kargil conflict in 1999. The special status under Article 370 contributed to a sense of isolation and alienation among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argued that this provision hindered economic development, allowed for the perpetuation of outdated laws, and fostered a breeding ground for terrorism.
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The Abrogation of Article 370
On August 5, 2019, the Indian Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a historic step to revoke Article 370. This move was justified on the grounds of integrating Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of India, promoting economic development, and curbing terrorism. The decision was passed by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Parliament, reflecting significant political support.
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Impacts of the Abrogation of Article 370
The abrogation of Article 370 led to many positive impacts on the region of Jammu & Kashmir. Some of the impacts are given below.
- Economic Development: With the abrogation of Article 370, private investors can now invest in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to job creation and economic growth. The region’s integration into the national market is expected to open up new opportunities.
- Social Integration: The removal of Article 370 aligns Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, fostering a sense of unity. Citizens of other states can now buy land in the region, promoting social and cultural integration.
- Women’s Rights: The abrogation has rectified gender-discriminatory laws. Previously, women who married non-residents lost their property rights. Now, women have equal property rights regardless of their marital status.
Challenges and Criticisms Faced by Article 370
Apart from the positive impacts, it also faced some challenges from the critics. Some of them are mentioned below.
- Political Discontent: The decision to abrogate Article 370 has faced significant opposition, particularly from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir who argue that it undermines the region’s autonomy and unique identity.
- Security Concerns: There have been concerns about increased security risks and unrest in the region. The central government has deployed additional security forces to maintain peace, but the situation remains tense.
- Legal Challenges: Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court of India challenging the constitutional validity of the abrogation. The legal battle over Article 370 continues, adding to the uncertainty.
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Conclusion
The abrogation of Article 370 marked a significant turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. While it aimed to integrate the region fully into India and promote development, it also raised important questions about federalism, autonomy, and states’ rights. Understanding the multifaceted impacts of this decision requires a nuanced analysis of its potential benefits and the concerns it raises. As India navigates the post-Article 370 era, the outcomes of this decision will continue to shape the region’s future and the broader national discourse.
FAQs
Ans: Article 370 of the Indian constitution grants special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This article allows Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution and laws, with the exception of defence, foreign affairs, finance, and communications, which are governed by the Indian government. This article was introduced in 1949, with the aim of providing temporary provisions following the state’s accession to India after independence.
Jammu & Kashmir is given a special status under Article 370 in comparison to the rest of India. Indian laws could not be applied to this state without the state government’s consent. This special status also gave the status to enact its own laws regarding property ownership for non-residents of the region.
On August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370. The region was also divided into two union territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. This action received widespread support as well as criticism. Some considered it vital for national integration, while others were concerned about the impact on the region’s autonomy and identity. The abrogation of Article 370 remains a historic moment in India’s political and constitutional history.
Ans: The Indian Constitution’s Article 370 gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir special status. It gave the state the authority to fly its flag, establish its constitution, and run its internal affairs independently. Article 370 was meant to provide Jammu and Kashmir with a provisional, interim framework.
Ans: The same day, Advocate Manohar Lal Sharma filed a petition under Article 32 challenging the constitutionality of the dilution of Article 370.
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