PIB TrackerSeven years since Articles 370 and 35(A) went
The Prime Minister marked the anniversary of 5 August 2019, arguing that the full application of the Constitution has extended rights to women and marginalised communities in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
What happened
- The PM marked seven years since the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35(A) on 5 August 2019.
- He described it as a defining milestone in India's journey toward inclusive development.
- He cited expansion of infrastructure and opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports.
- He said women and marginalised communities gained rights through the full application of the Constitution.
- He linked the anniversary to the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
For Prelims
- Article 370: conferred special status on Jammu and Kashmir; a temporary provision in Part XXI of the Constitution.
- Article 35(A): allowed the state to define permanent residents and their special rights; inserted by a 1954 Presidential Order.
- 5 August 2019: both were rendered inoperative by Presidential Order and a Parliamentary resolution.
- Reorganisation: the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 created two union territories — J&K (with legislature) and Ladakh (without).
- Supreme Court: upheld the abrogation in December 2023 (In Re: Article 370), directing restoration of statehood and elections.
- Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee: Jana Sangh founder associated with the campaign against Article 370; his 125th birth anniversary falls this year.
For UPSC: A core polity item. Use it for Article 370 and 35(A) and their abrogation, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, asymmetric federalism and special provisions for states, and the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling.
What it is NOT: This is a commemorative statement on the anniversary — not a new constitutional or administrative decision regarding Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh.
For Mains
Syllabus: GS2.1 · GS2.2 · Linkage L2
Anchor
Seven years on, the argument for 5 August 2019 is made in the language of rights, not just security.
Substantiation (data)
The government cites infrastructure expansion and new opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and sports across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Exemplification
The claim rests on constitutional provisions — including reservation and property rights — now applying in the same form as elsewhere in India.
Problematisation
Restoration of full statehood, sustained political normalisation and local employment remain the open questions the anniversary does not settle.
Way-forward
Complete the restoration of statehood as the Supreme Court directed, deepen local governance and convert infrastructure into durable livelihoods.
Position
The test of constitutional integration is whether rights are exercised in practice, not merely extended on paper.
Deploys into: Constitution + federalism (GS2.1, GS2.2) · Articles 370 and 35(A) and their abrogation, the Reorganisation Act 2019, and asymmetric federalism.
Prime Minister's Office · 2026-08-05 · PRID 2294765 · PIB source ↗