ADMINISTRATION OF KASHMIR

INTRODUCTORY:-

The state of Jammu and Kashmir formed by the treaty of Amritsar in 1846 can be divided into six natural regions.

  • The South west plain
  • Pir Panchal range
  • Vale of Kashmir
  • Greater Kashmir
  • Karakoram
  • Ladakh plateau

The south west plain and the Vale of Kashmir are having visible economic development. Pir Panchal, Greater Himalayas and Karakoram have sparse population with little vegetation and unfavorable conditions for economic progress. The state is divided into 3 regions: – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Jammu Division: – The division of Jammu has a similar cultural and social aspect as rest of India.

Kashmir Division: – The division of Kashmir is described as a state of Kingship. In the Pre-Ashokan period, administration of Kashmir was same as Indian states with a King or Queen ruling the nation.

Ladakh Division: – Ladakh is the third division of the state having a different look regarding social, cultural, religious and geographical setup. It constituents nearly 70%of the state and the historical figures show it as non-violent as the crime level is very low.

J&K AS A SINGLE UNIT OF ADMINISTRATION:-

Administration of the state was shaped and reshaped by foreigners for centuries resulting in the imbalance in the administrative setup.

POLITICAL SCENARIO IN THE STATE ADMINISTRATION:-

In the first few years of administration the state faced some abnormal conditions, along with new development schemes. ‘NEW KASHMIR’ was setup as the first reform committee under the developmental scheme of the new government.

In the first fifteen years of administration during 3-5 year plans from 1951-66, about 64 crores were spent on the state in the following way:-

  • 17% on agriculture
  • 10% on irrigation
  • 17% on power
  • 22% on social services
  • 18% on transport and communication, rest on other sectors.

 

-Saniya Mir

6-D