Jammu & Kashmir Unemployment Crisis Deepens, Rate Hits 6.7%
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe unemployment crisis, with the latest government data revealing an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is nearly double the national average of 3.5%. This alarming statistic was disclosed by the Omar Abdullah government in response to a query from National Conference MLA Mubarak Gul during a session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
Historical Trends and National Comparison
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the unemployment rate among individuals aged 15 years and above in Jammu and Kashmir stood at 6.7% in 2019-20. Over the subsequent years, the rate exhibited a fluctuating pattern: it declined to 5.9% in 2020-21, 5.2% in 2021-22, and 4.4% in 2022-23, before rising again to 6.1% in 2023-24 and reaching 6.7% in 2024-25.
In stark contrast, the national unemployment average has shown a consistent downward trend, starting from 4.8% in 2019-20 and improving to the current 3.5%. This disparity underscores the unique economic challenges faced by the region, which continue to exacerbate the joblessness issue.
Government Initiatives and Youth Focus
The government has emphasized that addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth, is a top priority. Its strategy extends beyond short-term job provisioning to focus on creating sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship, skilling programs, and institutional reforms. The aim is to transform youth from job seekers into job creators.
In this context, Mission YUVA has emerged as a key transformational initiative. Launched in collaboration with district administrations, this program has witnessed unprecedented enthusiasm and participation from young people across the Union Territory. Since its inception, over 1.71 lakh youth have registered on the platform, resulting in approximately 70,000 formal enterprise applications. This scale of engagement reflects growing confidence in the program's potential to drive economic empowerment.
Controversy Over Application Fees
Amid these efforts, a contentious issue has arisen regarding application fees charged by recruitment boards. In response to a question from Pulwama MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para, the General Administration Department revealed that the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (JKSSB) collectively collected ₹48.88 crore in application fees from candidates between 2023 and 2025.
Specifically, the JKPSC collected ₹17.90 crore, while the JKSSB earned ₹30.98 crore. During the legislative debate, Para criticized this practice, alleging that it contradicts the government's explicit promise to make all application forms free. He argued that charging exorbitant fees from jobless youth amounts to blatant exploitation, especially given the severe economic distress faced by unemployed aspirants.
Additional Measures and Future Outlook
In related developments, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the Legislative Assembly that the de-freezing of teacher posts is under active consideration by the government. This move aims to address the teacher shortage in Jammu and Kashmir, which could potentially create more employment opportunities in the education sector.
The government's comprehensive approach, including Mission YUVA and potential reforms in recruitment processes, highlights a concerted effort to tackle the unemployment crisis. However, the high application fees and persistent joblessness rates indicate that significant challenges remain in achieving sustainable economic growth and youth empowerment in the region.
