Seven Years After Article 370 Abrogation: Development in Jammu & Kashmir Contrasts with Challenges in PoK

Seven years after Parliament revoked Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the Union government says Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant progress in healthcare, education, infrastructure and local governance, while Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continues to face political unrest and shortages of basic public services.

According to government data, major investments have strengthened the Union Territory’s healthcare system. Two AIIMS institutions—one in Jammu and another in Kashmir—have been established, alongside several new government medical colleges. Jammu and Kashmir has also been brought under the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, enabling eligible beneficiaries to receive cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh. Officials say more than 1,100 students are now admitted to medical colleges annually.

The government also highlights improvements in education and skill development. Higher education institutions, including premier institutes such as IIT and IIM, have expanded opportunities for students, while skill development programmes aim to improve youth employability.

In local governance, the Centre says efforts to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system and expand Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) have improved the delivery of welfare schemes and increased grassroots participation in development.

In contrast, reports from PoK indicate continued unrest over issues such as healthcare, education, employment and public services. Some reports claim that nearly 90 people have died in violence over the past two months, though these figures have not been independently verified. Local residents and independent observers have alleged that public services remain inadequate and that protests over basic amenities have intensified.

Analysts also point to limited higher education opportunities and employment prospects in PoK, prompting many young people to seek work abroad, particularly in Gulf countries.

The contrasting narratives continue to shape political debate over the impact of the 2019 decision. While the Indian government maintains that the abrogation of Article 370 has accelerated development and governance reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan rejects the move and continues to dispute the region’s status.