SRINAGAR: National Conference legislator Bashir Ahmad Veeri on Wednesday raised concern in the Jammu Kashmir Assembly over the region’s growing unemployment, urging the government to fast-track recruitment to fill thousands of vacant posts.
Veeri said unemployment in the Union Territory stood at around six per cent — nearly double the national average — making Jammu Kashmir the highest unemployed region in India. “Our topography limits industrial growth. We are largely dependent on agriculture and horticulture, and government employment has always been the backbone of our economy, especially during unrests in the 1990s, 2008, 2016, and 2019,” he said.
He also cautioned against potential social unrest, urging the government to review its reservation policies “to prevent a situation like Nepal and Bangladesh.”
Responding to the issue, Deputy Chief Minister said the administration was aware of the challenge and committed to addressing it under Mission Yuva 2024–25. “We plan to establish over one lakh enterprises and provide employment to more than four lakh people within five years,” he said, requesting Veeri to withdraw his resolution.
Veeri sought an assurance for filling all vacant government posts before agreeing to withdraw the motion. However, Speaker disallowed the withdrawal and called for a vote, with the majority siding against the motion prompting opposition members to term the outcome “shameful.”
