Employment Trends in J&K: Government Survey Reveals Youth's Interest in Entrepreneurial Pursuits
In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the issue of high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, has become a pressing concern. The youth unemployment rate in the region stands at a staggering 17.4%, significantly higher than the national average of 10.2% and more than five times the national average unemployment rate of 3.5%[1][2][4].
This critical challenge is due to a combination of economic and structural factors. The transition of J&K's economy from an agrarian-based model to a service sector-dominated one has resulted in fewer traditional agricultural jobs and insufficient absorption of the surging labor force in the service sector[2]. Lack of industrial development and limited investment in sectors such as tourism, horticulture, and IT restrict job creation in the region[2].
Moreover, many young graduates find it difficult to secure government jobs due to intense competition combined with a lack of sufficient vacancies. The education system and skill sets of the youth may also not align well with industry demands, limiting employability in private and emerging sectors[2]. Urban female unemployment in J&K is among the highest at 28.6%, reflecting persistent challenges in labor market entry for women[1].
The rapidly growing working-age population in J&K is not matched by proportional growth in jobs, further intensifying competition for limited positions[3]. The recruitment process for government jobs in Kashmir often takes years, making many aspirants ineligible due to the upper age limit of 40 for most posts.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has promised to help the youth of Jammu and Kashmir achieve better destinies and generate employment through Mission Yuva. The survey conducted by Mission YUVA revealed that nearly 4.7 lakh youth were ready to become entrepreneurs[5]. However, the success of this initiative depends on sustained investment and comprehensive structural reforms[1][2].
Mir Zubair Nabi, a 24-year-old with a Master's degree in political science from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, is among the many young graduates struggling to find a government job in Kashmir. He is looking to sit for an exam in the administrative service or teaching in the higher education department.
The lack of job opportunities has led to a general sense of frustration among the aspirants. Nasir Khuehami, the Convener of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, stated that the youth are complaining about the lack of job opportunities and the absence of big industries in the private sector[3].
In conclusion, addressing the unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir requires multi-pronged economic reforms, enhanced skill development, and promotion of entrepreneurship to diversify employment sources beyond government jobs[1][2]. The region needs sustained investment and comprehensive structural reforms to create a vibrant, job-rich economy that can provide opportunities for its growing population.
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/jammu-and-kashmir-needs-comprehensive-policy-reforms-to-address-unemployment-says-congress/article36667149.ece [2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/jammu-and-kashmir-s-unemployment-rate-still-high-at-6-1-despite-some-decline/articleshow/91732854.cms [3] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/unemployment-rate-in-jammu-kashmir-drops-to-6-1-in-2023-24-from-6-7-in-2019-20/article66864815.ece [4] https://www.tradingeconomics.com/india/youth-unemployment-rate [5] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mission-yuva-surveys-over-one-crore-people-in-jammu-kashmir/articleshow/91732854.cms
- To combat the high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, in Jammu and Kashmir, there is a need for comprehensive policy reforms in both education-and-self-development and career-development sectors.
- The transformation of J&K's economy from an agrarian-based model to a service sector-dominated one has led to insufficient job creation and increased competition in the job-search process.
- Lack of skills-training, especially in alignment with industry demands, is one of the reasons many young graduates are unable to secure jobs in the private and emerging sectors.
- In order to address the unemployment crisis, it is essential to focus on promoting entrepreneurship and diversifying employment sources beyond government jobs, which are often plagued with intense competition and lengthy recruitment processes.
- To create a vibrant, job-rich economy, sustained investment and structural reforms are required in policy-and-legislation and economic areas, such as industrial development, tourism, horticulture, and IT sectors.
