TL;DR: Jammu and Kashmir's youth are facing skyrocketing unemployment rates, especially among the educated, leading to widespread frustration and uncertainty about their futures.
Hey folks! Let's dive into the current scenario in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), where our young buddies are grappling with some serious job woes. 😓
The Grim Numbers 📊
Recent reports have painted a bleak picture for J&K's youth:
Overall Unemployment: The unemployment rate in J&K has been alarmingly high, with figures reaching up to 32% among job seekers aged 15-29 in urban areas.
Educated Youth: A significant chunk of this unemployment is among the educated populace. In 2022, the unemployment rate among educated youth in J&K surged to 46.3%, the second-highest in India.
Gender Disparity: The situation is even more dire for young women, with a staggering 53.6% unemployment rate, the highest in the country.
Real-Life Struggles 😔
Behind these stats are real stories of our peers:
Sarfaraz Ahmad: A 33-year-old from Srinagar with a Master's in Business Administration. Despite his qualifications, Sarfaraz has faced multiple job losses since 2016 due to regional unrest and economic instability. For the past six months, he's been pretending to go to work, hiding his unemployment from his family.
Dinesh Kumar: A 32-year-old from Jammu with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. After completing his doctorate in 2024, Dinesh couldn't find a job in his field. To make ends meet, he now works as a door-to-door saffron salesman, earning a meager ₹15,000 per month, all while keeping his current job a secret from his family.
Government's Response 🏛️
The authorities have acknowledged the crisis and initiated several measures:
Employment Initiatives: Over the past two years, 11,526 selections have been made by the J&K Public Service Commission and J&K Services Selection Board. Additionally, 45,688 unemployed youth were provided jobs in the industrial sector during 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Self-Employment Schemes: Programs like 'Mumkin' and 'Tejaswini' have been launched to promote self-employment among youth, aiming to create 9.58 lakh livelihood opportunities over the last four years.
The Bigger Picture 🌍
Despite these efforts, the ground reality remains challenging. The lack of a robust private sector means many youths are vying for limited government jobs. The region's political instability and past conflicts have further hampered economic growth, making it tough to attract investments that could generate employment.
MediaFx Opinion 🛠️
From a working-class perspective, it's evident that the current capitalist framework isn't addressing the aspirations of J&K's youth. The high unemployment rates, especially among the educated, highlight systemic issues that require a shift towards policies prioritizing equitable development and job creation. Embracing socialist principles could pave the way for a more inclusive economy, ensuring that the region's youth aren't left adrift in their pursuit of a better future.
We Want to Hear from You! 🗣️
Are you or someone you know affected by the unemployment crisis in J&K? Share your stories, thoughts, and suggestions in the comments below. Let's spark a conversation and work towards solutions together! ✊
