SKILLS FOR SUCCESS: EMPOWERING J&K’S WORKFORCE

Demographic dividend, a term used to describe the idea of utilizing the human resource pool, is crucial for Jammu and Kashmir. A nation’s economic output and growth are seen to be stimulated by the contribution of competent human resources to the economic elements of production. By guaranteeing that population increase is not just in terms of quantity but also in terms of quality, the UT hopes to improve the quality of life, a crucial metric of a developed region. The populace must have the requisite skills in order to support their livelihoods and make valuable contributions to society as a whole. Unplanned, scattered, and low-quality population growth can only result in poverty, misery, and burdens for the state to bear. One of the critical challenges in achieving this objective is the mismatch between the skills possessed by the population and the demands of industries. This mismatch leads to increased unemployment and sustained poverty in the economy. In the past, Jammu and Kashmir had a rich legacy of integrating skills, employment, and sustainability with society. The region’s history shows that its ancestors were skilled artists and craftsmen, and their skills played a significant role in the local economy. However, the present scenario is different. While there is a higher number of graduates, postgraduates, MBAs, and engineers, J&K UT lacks industries capable of absorbing them. This situation creates a situation where individuals are qualified but not employable. The skill levels in almost all economically viable industries have declined, resulting in a growing population of unproductive individuals. Unemployment and underemployment have emerged as significant challenges, impeding economic progress in Jammu and Kashmir. The scarcity of trained human resources is a primary cause of unemployment in the region. The skill profile of the youth does not align with market requirements, creating a gap between supply and demand. Thus, from a traditional perspective, it is seen as an unemployment problem. However, from a modern standpoint, it is primarily an issue of employability. Rough estimates suggest that there are over lakhs of unemployed youths in the UT. Paradoxically, there are also a huge number of migrant workers in Jammu and Kashmir who earn enough not only to sustain themselves but also to send remittances back home.

This contrast between the unemployed youth and the migrant workforce raises critical questions. If we exclude the bottom strata of the migrant workforce, which consists of purely unskilled labour, there remains a substantial number of non-local workers who serve as skilled staff in various sectors. These technical non-local workers are crucial to the smooth functioning of industrial units, business establishments, agriculture activities, and firms in the region. Over the years, their numbers have steadily increased. Industrial unit owners face significant challenges in hiring skilled locals to operate machinery and equipment. Employing non-locals not only becomes expensive for the unit owners but also leaves them at the mercy of their technical staff, who often migrate back to their home regions whenever situations arise. Consequently, this results in fewer working days and reduced profits. Ideally, the skilled and technical human resource requirements of the economy should be met by well-functioning Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnic institutions.

In order to combat unemployment and improve employability in Jammu and Kashmir, the government must adopt a thorough and multifaceted strategy. First and foremost, it is urgent and important to match skill development programmes to the needs of the manufacturing and service sectors. To provide training that fulfills the present and future needs of the labour market, polytechnic institutions and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) should update their curricula. Collaboration between these organizations and the workplace may help in determining the knowledge and skills needed for employment, resulting in a more focused and efficient training strategy. Secondly, vocational courses should be integrated into the academic curriculum at various educational levels, including schools, colleges, and universities. By introducing vocational education early on, students can develop practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, making them job-ready upon graduation. Furthermore, the government should establish stronger ties with industries and encourage entrepreneurship. Providing incentives and support to local businesses can create opportunities for employment and economic growth. Start-up incubation centres and skill development centres can nurture innovation and provide training in emerging sectors, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and self-employment. Additionally, the government should prioritize the creation of a favourable business environment to attract investments and promote the growth of industries. This includes simplifying regulations, improving infrastructure, and ensuring ease of doing business. Engaging with the private sector and encouraging public-private partnerships can lead to the establishment of more industries, generating employment opportunities for the local population. Moreover, continuous monitoring and evaluation of skill development programs are essential to ensure their effectiveness. Regular assessment of outcomes and feedback from employers can help identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to bridge the employability gap. By focusing on skill development, industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, and creating a conducive business environment, the government can pave the way for sustainable economic growth and provide opportunities for the youth, ultimately transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a thriving and prosperous region.