Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has, in recent years, undergone a quiet yet significant transformation. Long viewed through the lens of conflict, the region today presents a different picture—one of infrastructure development, institutional reform, and greater democratic participation. The shift is not only visible on the ground but is supported by data and policy direction. When compared with the circumstances in Pakistan-administered territories, notably Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the differences in governance outcomes become increasingly evident.
Development and Infrastructure Growth
India’s fiscal commitment to J&K signals a strategic focus on long-term development. For the financial year 2025–2026, J&K received a development budget of ₹1.12 lakh crore, which is equivalent to approximately 12.9 billion US dollars. By contrast, Pakistan allocated only 1.77 billion US dollars for PoJK. On a per-capita basis, this amounts to around 1,032 US dollars per person in J&K, more than twice that of PoJK, which stands at 393 US dollars.
These investments are being directed into public infrastructure, digital services, and essential amenities. Projects such as the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla railway and the recently inaugurated Chenab Bridge have enhanced physical connectivity. Government-led initiatives have brought electricity, drinking water, and sanitation facilities to several remote areas.
Education and Youth Development
The education sector in J&K has expanded substantially. The region is now home to nine state universities and two central universities. It also includes four Institutes of National Importance, namely the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Srinagar. In addition, there are eleven medical colleges, fourteen engineering colleges, and two campuses of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), one of which is operational in Samba, while another is under development in Awantipora.
Youth engagement has shifted toward national-level academic and employment opportunities. With access to government-backed skilling programs, students and young professionals are increasingly entering fields such as civil services, the private sector, and entrepreneurship. In contrast, limited employment prospects in PoJK continue to restrict many graduates to public sector jobs or enlistment in military-related roles.
Challenges in PoJK’s education system remain significant. These include outdated curricula, limited investment, and teacher shortages. Despite recent initiatives, the region continues to experience difficulty in improving access to quality education.
Healthcare and Public Health Outcomes
J&K’s healthcare infrastructure now includes over 5,500 institutions, of which more than 4,400 are publicly operated. The doctor-to-patient ratio in the region is approximately one to 1,658. In terms of child health, the region’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped to 23, placing it among the leading territories in India. These achievements are the result of coordinated policy implementation, including telemedicine, insurance access, and district-level investments.
In comparison, PoJK reports a significantly higher doctor-to-patient ratio of one to 4,916 and operates with just 73 hospitals and health centers. Residents frequently report difficulties accessing timely and quality care. Disparities in medical staffing and infrastructure have continued to affect outcomes in the region.
Democratic Participation and Legal Integration
Since the constitutional changes enacted in 2019, J&K has been fully integrated into India’s legal and political framework. The people of the region participate in national elections, benefit from central welfare schemes, and have access to judicial remedies afforded under the Constitution. Local bodies, including panchayats and municipal councils, have also gained wider authority and financial resources.
In contrast, the governance structures in PoJK and Gilgit-Baltistan are based on provisional arrangements rather than constitutional recognition. These areas are not formally listed under Article 1 of Pakistan’s Constitution and lack representation in the National Assembly or Senate. The 1949 Karachi Agreement, which outlines administrative control over GB, was signed without local participation and remains legally contentious.
Moreover, political expression in PoJK is limited by provisions in its interim constitution. For example, Section 4(7)(3) restricts public discussion regarding the region’s political status. In Gilgit-Baltistan, governance is carried out primarily through executive orders issued by federal authorities.
Civil Liberties and Rule of Law
Security in J&K has seen measurable improvement, attributed to both intelligence-led operations and community engagement programs. Incidents of violence have declined, and the region has witnessed greater space for public dialogue and civic participation.
However, concerns regarding civil liberties persist in PoJK and GB. Human rights groups have documented instances of detentions, restrictions on the media, and limitations on peaceful assembly. In May 2025, the deaths of two young residents in Rawlakot, Zarnosh and Jibran Naseem, drew widespread public attention following conflicting reports about the circumstances. These cases have been cited by civil society actors as examples of the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Economic Activity and Regional Connectivity
The pace of economic development in J&K has accelerated, supported by industrial parks, agricultural modernization, and improved transport corridors. The Delhi–Amritsar–Katra expressway, among other projects, is expected to bolster trade and logistics across northern India. Additionally, greater availability of electricity and water has helped facilitate business operations in both urban and rural areas.
PoJK, meanwhile, faces persistent economic challenges. Inflation, food insecurity, and unreliable electricity supply have led to public dissatisfaction. In 2024, protests over flour shortages resulted in temporary subsidies being introduced by the federal government. While such measures addressed immediate concerns, they did not resolve the underlying issues affecting long-term stability.
A Region on a New Path
Jammu and Kashmir’s recent progress is marked not only by physical infrastructure and fiscal investment but also by broader institutional reform. With improvements in education, healthcare, governance, and civic engagement, the region is charting a path toward stability and growth.
Although obstacles remain, the developments in J&K offer a case study in how targeted policy measures, legal inclusion, and financial support can lead to meaningful change. In contrast, the experiences of Pakistan-administered regions highlight the continuing importance of democratic participation, legal clarity, and sustained investment in public welfare.
Rishi Suri is a senior editor covering international affairs at The Daily Milap, India’s oldest and largest circulated Urdu daily newspaper. He can be mailed at rishisuri@dailygoodmorningkashmir.com
