J&K records highest number of 3.52 lakh unemployed youth

SRINAGAR: The Directorate of Employment (DoE) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) reported that 3.52 lakh youth were registered as unemployed in the first quarter of 2024. Of these, 1.09 lakh are graduates and postgraduates, comprising 31% of the total.

Director of Employment, Nisar Ahmad Wani, stated that in the last quarter of 2023, the department registered 99,322 unemployed graduates and postgraduates—an increase of 10,000 over previous figures.

A report by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) highlighted an alarming unemployment rate of 23.1% in J&K, one of the highest in India. However, the J&K government’s 2023 Economic Survey presented contrasting data, indicating a decline in unemployment from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 5.2% in 2021-22. The survey also noted a quarterly urban unemployment rate (UUR) of 13.5% for October-December 2022, compared to the national average of 8.2% for the same period, per Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data.

Despite over 3 lakh vacant government positions across sectors like education, law enforcement, and public administration, the region continues to struggle with high unemployment rates, leaving many qualified candidates in limbo.

JKSSRB Chairperson Indu Kanwal Chib outlined the current recruitment status, noting that 22,624 selections have been finalized since 2019 and 874 more are under process. Exams for 4,921 posts are scheduled in the coming weeks and 3,299 posts are ready for advertisement but await clarifications or legal resolutions.

Unfilled positions span key departments, including Home (1,336 posts), Health & Medical Education (415), Jal Shakti (314), and Power Development (292).

She informed the Chief Secretary that, since 2019, the Board has finalized 22,624 selections, is processing 874 more, and has exams for 4,921 posts scheduled in the coming weeks. Additionally, 3,299 posts are ready for advertisement, awaiting clarifications or resolution of legal issues. These include 1,336 posts in the Home Department, 415 in Health & Medical Education, 314 in Jal Shakti, 292 in the Power Development Department (PDD), 222 in Industries & Commerce, 177 in Public Works (R&B), 185 in Agriculture, 129 in Forest, 73 in Higher Education, 38 in Revenue, and 61 in Transport, she added.

Bilal Ahmad, a qualified doctor awaiting recruitment in the Health Department, expressed discontent: “The vacancies have existed for years, and despite promises, the recruitment process remains painfully slow. We are ready to serve, but these delays are disheartening.”

Similarly, Shazia Khan, an education graduate, lamented the lack of transparency in recruitment: “I’ve applied for multiple teaching positions, but the delays mean I’m left idle while peers in other states find jobs.”

Imran Ahmad, another job seeker, criticized the stagnation in recruitment processes: “Vacancies are advertised, but the process rarely moves forward. This uncertainty is demoralizing.”

Meanwhile, in a recent meeting with officials, J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo stressed the importance of timely recruitment. He directed departments to submit vacancy details, clarify reservation-based positions, and resolve procedural delays. He also urged the J&K Services Selection Recruitment Board (JKSSRB) to create an annual recruitment calendar to streamline processes.

Social Welfare, Health, and Education Minister Sakina Itoo too reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to tackling unemployment recently. She announced the approval of 575 lecturer positions in the School Education Department, part of the National Conference’s manifesto to create 100,000 jobs and address economic challenges.

“The Chief Minister is committed to providing job opportunities to 100,000 youth. Our aim is to fill all vacancies swiftly,” Itoo stated.