Centre May Restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood Before October: Ramdas Athawale

Srinagar,08August :Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, announced on Thursday that the Centre might restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood before October this year. Speaking at a press conference, Athawale also hinted that legislative assembly elections could be scheduled around the same time.

According to a report from the Press Trust of Kashmir, Athawale noted that assembly polls are slated for Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh before October. “I think before October, statehood can be restored, and elections may also happen in October,” he remarked, urging the people of Jammu and Kashmir to participate in record numbers during the upcoming elections.

Athawale referenced the promise made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the abrogation of Article 370, which assured the restoration of statehood and the holding of assembly elections in the region. The minister also commended the high voter turnout during the Lok Sabha elections, attributing it to the people’s commitment to strengthening democracy.

During a half-hour meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, Athawale discussed the region’s progress since the abrogation of Article 370, particularly highlighting the flourishing tourism sector. “More than 2.11 crore tourists, including foreigners, have visited here. People don’t fear going to Kashmir now. Earlier, they wanted to come, but terrorism was stopping them. Now, peace is prevailing, despite some untoward incidents,” Athawale stated.

The minister also emphasized the government’s efforts to support marginalized communities in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that over 2 lakh pre- and post-matric scholarships had been provided to SC students, and more than 84,000 scholarships to OBC students. He pointed out that SCs and OBCs each make up about 8 percent of the population in J&K, but there are no SC families in Kashmir.

Furthermore, Athawale revealed that 74 cases were registered under the Atrocities Act against SCs and OBCs in the region. He also announced plans to establish an old age home in each district of Jammu and Kashmir, adding to the 16 already in operation.

Athawale stated that his party, the Republican Party of India, intends to field 10-15 candidates in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly elections.