Unofficial estimated unemployed number in J&K is above 15 lakhs
Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, October 21:
In a significant development aimed at addressing unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir, the Hon’ble Speaker of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, today admitted a private member resolution submitted by Iftkhar Ahmed, Hon’ble MLA Rajouri.
The resolution seeks the introduction of a monthly allowance and livelihood stipend for unemployed youth across the Union Territory, underscoring the urgent need for a structured financial support system for educated but jobless individuals.
MLA Iftkhar Ahmed, while submitting the resolution, highlighted that thousands of qualified young people are struggling to sustain themselves due to the lack of adequate employment opportunities. He emphasized that the proposed measure would offer temporary financial relief, help restore youth confidence in the system, and discourage migration in search of basic livelihood.
Admitting the resolution, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather acknowledged the critical importance of the issue, noting that the Assembly has a moral and constitutional duty to consider initiatives that promote socio-economic welfare, particularly those benefiting the younger generation.
Growing Unemployment in J&K:
Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with serious unemployment concerns despite multiple skill-development and self-employment schemes. Official data pegs the unemployment rate at 6.1 percent for 2023–24, which translates to approximately 9 lakh jobless individuals based on the total population of ~1.48 crore. Currently, over 3.7 lakh educated youth are formally registered as unemployed on the J&K Employment Portal.
However, unofficial estimates indicate that the total number of unemployed youth in the Union Territory exceeds 15 lakh, reflecting a significant gap between available opportunities and the aspirations of the educated workforce. This growing pool of unemployed youth underscores the urgency behind MLA Iftkhar Ahmed’s resolution and the need for proactive measures to support their livelihood.
The resolution is scheduled to be taken up for discussion and debate in the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
