Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said on Sunday, 11 October that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood could be restored in the near future, reaffirming the Centre's commitment to the union territory's development. Athawale made the remarks at a press conference in Srinagar, signalling continued federal attention to the long-pending statehood question.

What Athawale Said on Statehood

Addressing reporters, Athawale stated that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir was likely to happen 'in the near future.' He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were 'aware of the commitment' regarding statehood to the union territory. The Centre downgraded J&K from a full state to a union territory in August 2019, simultaneously abrogating Article 370. Restoring statehood has since remained a subject of repeated political assurances but no formal timeline.

Article 370 and Constitutional Integration

Athawale defended the abrogation of Article 370, arguing the move had brought Jammu and Kashmir fully under the framework of the Indian Constitution, extending constitutional provisions and welfare benefits to the region. He acknowledged that while the ground situation had improved 'considerably,' challenges remained. The remarks come nearly seven years after the 2019 restructuring, a period that has seen both improved security metrics and persistent calls from regional political parties for statehood restoration.

Pahalgam Attack and Pakistan

Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, Athawale said the Central government had taken appropriate steps in response and called on Pakistan to cease support for terrorism. 'Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and Pakistan should focus on improving its own economy rather than interfering in India's internal affairs,' he said. He further observed that ordinary Pakistani citizens also desired peaceful relations with India, but that political interests on the Pakistani side were impeding normalisation.

Development and Private Investment

On development, Athawale said the Centre was ready to extend financial and administrative assistance to the union territory, and urged the local administration to formulate concrete proposals addressing the region's developmental needs. He stressed that political differences should not impede fund allocation or project implementation. Separately, the minister noted that private sector investors had already begun committing funds — reportedly running into 'thousands of crores of rupees' — towards Jammu and Kashmir's welfare and economic growth, with a focus on generating employment for local youth.

What Comes Next

Athawale's remarks add political weight to a promise that successive Union ministers have made without a fixed deadline. The Supreme Court of India, in its December 2023 ruling on the Article 370 abrogation, had directed the Election Commission to hold assembly elections in J&K by September 2024 — elections that have since been held, returning an elected government. Statehood restoration, however, remains a legislative decision for Parliament. With the minister's renewed signal from Srinagar, pressure is likely to mount on the Centre for a formal announcement.