Rising Unemployment in Jammu & Kashmir Sparks Concern Among Youth

Syed Sajid Hussain, Srinagar, July 28: Unemployment has become one of the biggest challenges in Jammu & Kashmir. Thousands of educated young people struggle to find stable jobs, even with various government programs in place. Although the region has seen improvements in infrastructure and tourism recently, job creation has not kept up with the growing population and increasing number of graduates.

Youth Bear the Brunt

The unemployment crisis hits educated youth the hardest.

Every year, thousands of students graduate from universities and colleges. However, limited government jobs and a slow-growing private sector leave many without job opportunities. Recruitment processes for government positions have faced repeated delays, causing disappointment and frustration among job seekers. Many young people have sought temporary work, started small businesses, or taken informal jobs to make ends meet. Some have moved to other parts of the country or even abroad in search of better opportunities. Those who stay express concern about their future. They mention the lack of clear career paths and limited chances for professional growth in the region.

Key Reasons Behind the Crisis:-

Several factors contribute to the unemployment situation:

Limited Industrial Base:

Jammu & Kashmir relies heavily on agriculture, handicrafts, and tourism. These sectors are seasonal and cannot support the growing workforce.

Lockdowns and Instability:

Long periods of political unrest and the pandemic have disrupted the local economy. Many businesses have closed, resulting in job losses.

Slow Private Sector Growth:

Investment in industries and large companies remains low compared to other areas. This offers fewer opportunities for skilled youth.

Delayed Recruitment Drives:

Frequent postponements and cancellations of recruitment exams have added to the number of unemployed candidates.

Government Measures and Public Sentiment

In recent years, the administration has launched several self-employment programs, skill development projects, and entrepreneurship initiatives to create job opportunities. Training centers, job fairs, and financial support programs have been introduced to encourage young people to start their own businesses. However, many young people believe these measures fall short of addressing the problem’s scale. They call for more transparent and timely recruitment efforts, improved support for startups, and incentives to draw private companies to the region.

Impact on Society

Rising unemployment has led to increased social and economic pressures. Families struggle to support unemployed youth. Many young people report feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation. Experts warn that if the unemployment crisis is not addressed quickly, it could lead to greater socio-economic instability in the region.

The Way Forward

To effectively tackle unemployment, there is a strong push for an employment policy focused on:

Attracting investment in new industries. Reviving local manufacturing and traditional sectors.

Expanding tourism and technology-driven businesses.

Ensuring fair recruitment processes without corruption.

While government programs have provided some relief, lasting solutions will require better coordination between public and private sectors. There must be skill development that matches market needs and a renewed focus on economic diversity. For now, the youth of Jammu & Kashmir continue to wait for real opportunities that align with their education, aspirations, and potential.