DR.FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI
Jammu and Kashmir, a region known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, faces an alarming issue that casts a shadow over the future of its educated youth: unemployment. The valley has a highly literate population, with many young people obtaining advanced degrees in various fields. Yet, for thousands of graduates, the dream of securing a job remains out of reach. This is a pressing challenge for the newly elected government, which must tackle the growing disconnect between education and employment opportunities. The failure to address this issue is not just a policy problem but a potential recipe for social disaster.
Fulfilling an election manifesto is especially challenging for any government with limited powers, as it often lacks the necessary autonomy to implement promised policies fully. In regions with restricted governance capabilities, such as Jammu and Kashmir, local authorities may face constraints due to limited control over key areas like finance, law enforcement, and infrastructure development. These limitations hinder the ability to address pressing issues like unemployment, economic development, and public welfare effectively. Furthermore, implementing ambitious projects requires significant financial resources and legislative authority, which may not be within the government’s reach. Balancing the expectations of the electorate with the practical constraints of power can lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among the public. To navigate these challenges, governments must prioritize achievable goals, leverage available resources efficiently, and engage in continuous dialogue with higher authorities to seek greater autonomy for implementing development policies.
The Changing Role of the Government as an Employer:Historically, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has been the largest employer in the region. For decades, public sector jobs were the most sought-after, providing stable employment and benefits. However, in recent years, the number of government jobs has dwindled, partly due to budget constraints, administrative restructuring, and changes in recruitment policies. Additionally, a significant number of key positions are now occupied by non-state individuals, leaving many locals feeling sidelined in their own land. The sense of alienation and frustration has grown as opportunities diminish for those who once relied on government employment for economic stability.The newly elected government must acknowledge this changing reality. While it may not be feasible to restore the same level of public sector employment as in the past, it is essential to ensure that the youth are not left without viable alternatives. Policies to promote job creation in the private sector, support entrepreneurship, and attract investment must be implemented swiftly. Without addressing the employment gap, the educated youth of Kashmir may face a bleak future, leading to social unrest and brain drain.
The Role of the Private Sector: Can Kashmiri Businessmen Fill the Void?With the decline in government employment, the private sector is often seen as the next potential source for job creation. The question is whether local businesses can absorb the growing number of educated youths in Kashmir. While there are several successful Kashmiri entrepreneurs and businesspersons, their ability to provide employment opportunities on a large scale is limited.
Kashmiri businesses, particularly in the sectors of tourism, handicrafts, and agriculture, have traditionally been small-scale and family owned. These industries often lack the capacity to hire large numbers of graduates, especially those with specialized skills or higher degrees. Even in the case of more established businesses, the economic challenges faced by the region, such as frequent shutdowns, political instability, and logistical issues, have made it difficult for them to expand and create new jobs. Has (MSME ) micro small and medium small medium sector industries proliferated in this land , or are there enough facilities, infrastructure or attractive financial incentives so that they can absorb the local talent .For the private sector to become a significant employer, the government must create a more business-friendly environment. This means reducing bureaucratic red tape, providing incentives for businesses to expand, and ensuring a stable political and economic climate. Furthermore, local businessmen must be encouraged to diversify their ventures into sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and education services, where there is potential for higher-value job creation. Only then can the private sector begin to fill the employment void left by the shrinking role of the government.
The Potential of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):The small and medium enterprises (SME) sector has long been recognized as a crucial driver of job creation and economic growth. In Jammu and Kashmir, the potential for SMEs to absorb local talent is substantial, provided there is adequate support and infrastructure. SMEs can offer flexible and diverse job opportunities across various fields, making them ideal for a region with a young and educated workforce.However, the reality is that SMEs in Kashmir face significant challenges. There are limited facilities and resources to support their growth, including access to credit, land, and skilled labor. Many small businesses struggle to compete with larger corporations or survive economic downturns, often exacerbated by the unique political and economic conditions in the region.To truly harness the potential of SMEs, the government needs to prioritize creating a supportive ecosystem. This includes establishing industrial zones, providing financial incentives for startups, and improving access to affordable credit. Additionally, vocational training programs should be aligned with the needs of local industries to ensure that graduates have the skills that SMEs are looking for. The government must also actively promote entrepreneurship by providing mentorship and support for young business owners. By creating an environment in which SMEs can thrive, the newly elected administration can help create sustainable employment opportunities for Kashmir’s educated youth.
The Question of Infrastructure and Support for Startups:Another critical area that needs urgent attention is the development of infrastructure for startups and small businesses. There is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Kashmir, but many young entrepreneurs lack the resources and support to turn their ideas into viable businesses. While some startup hubs and incubation centers have been established, they are still too few and far between to make a substantial impact.The government needs to develop more business parks, technology incubation centers, and innovation hubs across the region. This should be coupled with policies that encourage investments in the startup ecosystem, such as tax exemptions for new businesses, seed funding programs, and access to market research and business development services. Moreover, digital infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity, must be prioritized to enable tech-based startups to operate and compete on a global scale. Supporting local startups will not only create jobs but also foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Addressing the Mismatch Between Education and Market Needs:A significant issue that contributes to unemployment among Kashmir’s educated youth is the mismatch between their academic qualifications and the skills demanded by the job market. The current education system tends to focus more on traditional academic subjects rather than practical, job-oriented skills. As a result, many graduates find themselves ill-equipped for available positions, particularly in the private sector and technical fields.
The opening of numerous medical colleges across various districts in Jammu and Kashmir is indeed a welcome step, as it brings quality healthcare closer to the people and increases the availability of medical services. However, this rapid expansion also brings challenges, particularly the issue of limited job opportunities for graduates. With a growing number of students completing their medical education both within the region and from outside institutions, including universities in Bangladesh, the competition for a small number of available jobs intensifies. This mismatch between the increasing number of medical graduates and the limited employment prospects exacerbates the problem of underemployment, leading to frustration among young doctors who are eager to contribute but find few openings in government or private healthcare sectors. Addressing this gap is crucial to ensure that the benefits of expanding medical education truly translate into better healthcare outcomes and career prospects for the region’s youth.The newly formed government needs to re-evaluate and reform the education system to align it more closely with the requirements of the job market. This could involve introducing vocational training programs in schools and colleges, encouraging skill development courses, and partnering with industries to ensure that the curriculum is relevant to current and future needs. Additionally, internship programs and industry collaborations should be established to provide students with hands-on experience and better preparation for their careers.
Social Implications of Unemployment: A Recipe for Disaster:The implications of education without jobs extend beyond economic concerns. Prolonged unemployment can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and resentment among the youth. This, in turn, can result in social unrest, increased substance abuse, and a rise in mental health issues. The lack of job opportunities can also push young people toward anti-social behaviors, including involvement in crime or violent activities.In a region already grappling with socio-political challenges, the situation is particularly precarious. The discontent stemming from unemployment can exacerbate existing tensions and create a volatile environment. The government must understand that addressing the employment crisis is not merely an economic issue but a matter of social stability and security. By failing to provide meaningful opportunities for the youth, the administration risks sowing the seeds of future unrest.
A Call to the Newly Elected Government: The newly elected government faces an enormous task in addressing the unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth and development. The government must prioritize policies that create jobs, support businesses, and reform education to align with market needs. The emphasis should be on holistic solutions that involve public-private partnerships, infrastructure development, and investment in the youth’s future.
It is time for the administration to acknowledge that education without jobs is not just a policy failure; it is a potential recipe for disaster. By addressing the root causes of unemployment and working to create a more inclusive economy, the government can help secure a brighter and more prosperous future for the youth of Kashmir. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.
-Author besides being a Medical doctor at Mubarak hospital , is a policy analyst very active in positive perception management of various moral, and social issues can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com
The Author besides being a Medical doctor at Mubarak hospital , is very active in positive perception management of various moral, social and religious issues. He can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com & twitter
