The unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the region, reflecting deep-rooted structural issues and economic limitations that demand urgent and comprehensive interventions. Recent data revealing the registration of over 3.70 lakh job seekers, including 1.13 lakh graduates and postgraduates, paints a stark picture of the employment landscape in the Union Territory. This growing number of educated yet unemployed youth underscores the urgent need for policy reforms, industrial expansion, and a strategic approach to job creation. The unemployment rate in J&K has consistently remained higher than the national average, exacerbated by factors such as limited private sector growth, slow industrialization, an over-reliance on government jobs, and a glaring mismatch between the skills imparted by the education system and the demands of the job market.
Historically, J&K’s economy has been heavily dependent on sectors like agriculture, tourism, and handicrafts, alongside government employment. However, these sectors have proven insufficient to absorb the rapidly growing number of job seekers. The lack of large-scale industries and private investment has further constrained the region’s capacity to generate sustainable employment opportunities. While self-employment and entrepreneurship have emerged as crucial alternatives, aspiring entrepreneurs often face significant hurdles, including inadequate financial support, bureaucratic red tape, and limited market access. The closure of several small businesses due to financial instability and a lack of suitable economic incentives has only added to the rising unemployment rate, leaving many young people disillusioned and financially insecure. In response to this crisis, the government has launched several employment-oriented schemes aimed at enhancing employability and promoting entrepreneurship. Initiatives such as the Mumkin Scheme, Tejaswini Scheme, and Parvaaz Scheme under Mission Youth are designed to provide financial assistance, skill training, and support for self-employment. These programs aim to equip the youth with the resources needed to start their own businesses or acquire skills aligned with market demands. However, the outreach and effectiveness of these schemes remain areas of concern. A significant portion of the unemployed population remains either unaware of these programs or faces difficulties in accessing them due to procedural complexities. Moreover, the long-term impact of these initiatives is debatable, as many beneficiaries continue to struggle to establish stable and sustainable livelihoods. One of the most critical issues contributing to unemployment in J&K is the mismatch between education and employability. The increasing number of graduates and postgraduates struggling to find jobs highlights the limitations of the current education system in preparing youth for the job market. While there has been a strong emphasis on higher education, there has been a lack of focus on vocational training and skill development that align with industry requirements. Many degree holders find themselves unemployed not because of a lack of education but due to the absence of marketable skills that employers seek. Addressing this gap requires a fundamental shift in the education system, integrating skill-based learning, technical training, and practical exposure into academic curricula. Collaborations between educational institutions and industries can play a crucial role in bridging this divide, ensuring that students are equipped with skills that enhance their employability and prepare them for the demands of a competitive job market. Job fairs have emerged as a key strategy to facilitate employment by directly connecting job seekers with potential employers. Over the past three years, 246 job fairs have been conducted, leading to the selection of nearly 4,893 candidates for immediate placement, while approximately 6,640 individuals were recommended for skill training. These job fairs provide an essential platform for young aspirants to explore employment options and interact with recruiters. However, when compared to the overwhelming number of unemployed youth, the impact of these job fairs remains limited. The jobs offered through these fairs often do not align with the educational qualifications and career aspirations of many job seekers, leading to underemployment or job dissatisfaction. The lack of substantial private investment in Jammu and Kashmir has hindered the creation of a vibrant job market. Despite government policies to attract investors, concerns over infrastructure, security, and bureaucratic hurdles persist. Strengthening investor confidence through policy stability, incentives, and streamlined processes is crucial for business growth and job creation. Entrepreneurship, promoted under Mission Yuva, aims to create 1,37,000 enterprises and 4,25,000 jobs in five years. However, success depends on financial support, ease of doing business, and incubation centers for guidance. Government incentives, such as fiscal benefits and land allotments, can boost private investment and long-term employment. Prolonged unemployment has severe psychological and social impacts, fueling frustration, financial insecurity, and migration among youth, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions.
The focus must shift from short-term relief measures to sustainable employment solutions that foster economic growth, skill development, and industrial expansion. Strengthening vocational training, enhancing digital literacy, and promoting sustainable industries are key steps toward creating a diversified job market.