Taking on the Opposition over the abrogation of Article 370, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said there is no corruption in the valley now and a “transparent, true democracy” is in place in the erstwhile state.
Replying to the debate on budgetary proposals and demand forgrants for the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the LokSabha, she said many positive developments have taken place since theabrogation of Article 370, including a rise in exports.
“What was different before August 5 and what isdifferent now. What has changed. Many changes have taken place. There is nocorruption now. Before (August 5) there was rampant corruption. It’s nowtransparent, true democracy which is in place,” she said in the House.
The minister underlined that corruption has ended and thingshave become more transparent in Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article370 on August 5 last year.
Citing the various initiatives taken by the Centre fordevelopment for the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, she said the blockdevelopment council elections were successful.”Nowpeople approach concerned ministers, Governors, Lt governor or advisers theredirectly. Yesterday only, many businessmen met ministers including HomeMinister. They were overwhelmed by the fact that they can now reach the Centre.This is the welcome change. Prior to August 5, they could not reachSrinagar,” she said.