by Syed Aamir Sharief Qadri
A new generation of student leaders is needed in the assembly – young, educated visionaries committed to addressing the concerns of educated youth.
As elections approach in Jammu and Kashmir, it is essential to consider why unemployed young people should engage with the voting process and which party is best equipped to address their concerns. Pre-election reflection on these issues could precipitate meaningful change.
With numerous political parties and leaders vying for attention, the question arises: where do young people fit in? For the unemployed, who deserves their vote? The solution lies in a single crucial step: casting an informed vote. But how can this be achieved? The answer, though simple, is frequently neglected: scrutinise the manifestos. What provisions do these parties make for young people? Do they offer tangible solutions or mere rhetoric?
The National Conference’s12-point manifesto pledges to create 100,000 jobs within six months. In contrast, the Congress and PDP have made vague promises on job creation, without specifying numbers. What do these promises mean in the broader context? The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey reveals a staggering 28.2 per cent unemployment rate among young people in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy consistently reports the region’s unemployment rate at around 25 per cent, one of the highest in India. Other reports estimate that approximately 600,000 young people are unemployed in Jammu and Kashmir.
If the National Conference fulfils its pledge to create 100,000 jobs, what becomes of the remaining 500,000 unemployed young people? Furthermore, what concrete and transformative plans do the Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and other parties must tackle this significant challenge? It is crucial to demand detailed answers and ensure that every promise yields tangible opportunities.
The issue, however, goes beyond mere job creation. A pressing concern is the fate of unemployed youth who fail to secure jobs, given their substantial numbers. Even if all government vacancies are filled, unemployment will persist, albeit at a reduced level. Have young people raised these critical questions with nominated candidates during election rallies, following the release of the manifestos? It is essential to seek clarity on how these promises will address the broader challenges facing the youth.
Once again, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, are confronted with unfulfilled promises of a Naya Kashmir from both central and state political parties. Between August 2019 and December 6, 2023, a total of 31,830 government vacancies, including positions at Jammu and Kashmir Bank, were filled across the Union Territory. The recent total has reached 36,000 filled vacancies, against the promised 50,000.
The BJP’s removal of Article 370 in 2019 was expected to bring significant change, but the promised creation of 500,000 job opportunities failed to materialise. In its 2024 manifesto, the BJP reiterates similar commitments under the Pandit Prem Nath Dogra Employment Scheme.
What has been the actual impact? Jammu and Kashmir’s youth have faced issues such as exam paper leaks, bribery, and corruption, rather than fair recruitment processes. Given these failures, how can the new promises be trusted? Have the current election candidates provided adequate answers to these concerns? It is crucial to scrutinise whether their new commitments will genuinely address the ongoing challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.
The BJP’s large-scale job creation initiative may take years to bear fruit. The pressing concern is: what solutions are available to the unemployed youth today, whose numbers now exceed both the initial and current promises? Moreover, questions arise about the relevance of this commitment as unemployment in the Union Territory surpasses one million. Can this scheme deliver on its promises?
A key concern is whether this developmental package will promote balanced growth across both regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Data from the New Industrial Policy (2021) shows that of the Rs 20,000 crore worth of industrial projects underway, 80 per cent of investment has gone to the Jammu region. The 2023-24 figures further highlight this regional disparity, with Rs 1,966 crore of Rs 3,628 crore invested in Jammu. These figures raise serious questions about equitable development in both regions.
Tackling youth unemployment requires more than just filling government vacancies. The solution lies in fostering private-sector job creation and promoting industrial growth without regional bias. Well-crafted policies are also crucial to ensure stability and create opportunities in the private sector, particularly in areas where existing businesses face uncertainty.
How can new entrants thrive amidst market uncertainties? While not everyone can be an entrepreneur, establishing large-scale industries is vital to combat unemployment. A robust business support system, including interest-free loans for small businesses, is also necessary. Current schemes often fall short of addressing the full scope of youth needs. It is the government’s responsibility to create an environment where these initiatives can succeed and make a significant impact on youth employment.
Elections often feature bold promises, but the results frequently fail to deliver. When major political parties’ manifestos neglect the critical issue of youth unemployment, what action should be taken? Immediate revolt may not be viable, but there is still hope. If direct representation is unachievable, young people should vote for existing candidates while holding them accountable. It is essential to urge elected representatives to develop and enforce robust policies specifically targeting youth unemployment.
Once again, political parties have neglected the unemployed youth. Nevertheless, young people must engage actively in future elections. A new generation of student leaders is needed in the assembly – young, educated visionaries committed to addressing the concerns of educated youth. If such leaders exist, they should be supported. This presents an opportunity for young people to drive meaningful change and shape a more promising future.
A single visionary young leader has the power to reshape the future of an entire nation. Historically, young people in Jammu and Kashmir have shied away from politics, which may have contributed to their dire situation. It is essential to restore their faith in democracy. In this region, scholars are forced to resort to selling items on the streets to make a living. Even after 30 years of unemployment, young people struggle to earn more than Rs 9,00,000 in private sector jobs. Given these conditions, should there not be representatives from the youth in both the state and central assemblies?
The incoming government in Jammu and Kashmir must prioritize engaging in meaningful dialogue with unemployed youth. They need to listen to their demands, or this could become a mobilizing force capable of toppling the government. The number of unemployed youths has multiplied significantly over the past five years, and this issue has already gained significant traction on social media, underscoring the need for a prompt and decisive solution.
(The author, a blogger, with an academic background in History, is a freelance writer. Ideas are personal.)
