Mohammad Iqbal Wani
In recent years, the overwhelming participation of Kashmiri youth in recruitment drives for the Indian Army has drawn attention to two distinct, yet interconnected, realities. On one hand, it underscores a growing sense of hope and belonging among young Kashmiris within the fabric of Indian democracy. On the other, it reveals a stark reality of rising unemployment that pushes even the most educated youth to seize any available opportunity for stability and security.
The recent Territorial Army (TA) recruitment drive in Baramulla, where over 23,000 youth competed for just 300 vacancies, is a testament to both these phenomena. This massive turnout is not just about securing jobs; it reflects broader social, economic, and political aspirations.
Hope in Democracy and the Nation
For decades, Kashmir has been caught in a web of political uncertainty, which has often alienated its youth. Yet, the significant participation in initiatives like Army recruitment demonstrates a shift in mindset. These young men are not just looking for employment; they are expressing a desire to contribute to the nation and stand shoulder to shoulder with their fellow citizens across India.
This renewed enthusiasm for national service is deeply tied to a sense of hope in Indian democracy. Despite years of conflict and challenges, the youth of Kashmir increasingly recognize the importance of being part of a larger, democratic framework. By joining the Indian Army, they not only secure a future for themselves but also become ambassadors of peace and integration. They symbolize the idea that Kashmir is not an isolated entity but an integral part of India’s democratic ethos.
Major General P.S. Punia’s remarks during the Baramulla recruitment drive encapsulate this sentiment: “The dedication and passion of our youth toward serving the nation is truly commendable.” Such participation sends a powerful message to the rest of the country — that Kashmiri youth are invested in the collective progress of India.
The Unemployment Crisis
However, the story of these recruitment drives is not just one of patriotism and hope. Beneath the surface lies a grim economic reality: the growing unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. Even as the government boasts of developmental achievements and employment schemes, the ground reality paints a different picture.
Highly educated youth, including engineers, postgraduates, and even PhDs, are seen competing for basic positions. This desperation stems from the lack of adequate job opportunities in the region. The promise of a secure job with a respectable salary, such as those offered in the Army, becomes a lifeline for many.
The Chenab Valley recruitment drive held simultaneously saw a similar turnout, with over 12,000 participants vying for a limited number of posts. This underscores a worrying trend: young people, regardless of their qualifications, are willing to undertake physically grueling and demanding roles just to secure a livelihood.
The unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir remains one of the highest in the country, and the government’s claims of tackling this issue seem increasingly hollow. The lack of industrial development, coupled with a stagnant private sector, has left the youth with limited options. For many, the Army and other government positions represent the only viable path to financial stability.
The Illusion of Controlled Unemployment
The government frequently highlights initiatives aimed at curbing unemployment, but the ground reality suggests otherwise. Skill development programs and employment drives, while well-intentioned, often fail to address the core issue: the creation of sustainable and dignified jobs.
The high turnout at Army recruitment rallies exposes the cracks in the narrative of “employment under control.” It is not just about a lack of jobs but about the quality of jobs available. Most young people want careers that align with their education and aspirations. However, when such opportunities are scarce, they are forced to compromise, settling for roles far removed from their qualifications.
Moreover, the private sector in Jammu and Kashmir has not been able to absorb the burgeoning educated workforce. The absence of large-scale industries and a weak entrepreneurial ecosystem further exacerbate the problem. Young people who could have contributed to the state’s growth through innovation and enterprise are instead pushed toward limited avenues like government jobs or recruitment drives.
What Needs to Change?
To truly address the aspirations of Kashmiri youth, a multi-pronged approach is required:
- Industrial Development: The government must prioritize industrial growth in the region, creating a robust ecosystem for manufacturing, services, and startups. Incentives for businesses to set up operations in Kashmir can provide much-needed employment opportunities.
- Skill Alignment: There is an urgent need to align skill development programs with the actual demands of the job market. Training should not just be theoretical but must equip youth with practical skills that enhance employability.
- Strengthening the Private Sector: Promoting private investment in tourism, IT, agriculture, and other sectors can create diverse job opportunities. This requires not just policy changes but also building investor confidence in the region’s stability.
- Transparency in Employment Policies: Ensuring fairness and transparency in recruitment processes can help rebuild trust among the youth, who often feel disillusioned by corruption and favoritism in job allocation.
- Youth-Centric Policies: The government must engage directly with young people to understand their concerns and aspirations. Policies should be designed with their active participation, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
The participation of thousands of Kashmiri youth in Army recruitment drives is a story of hope, resilience, and challenges. On one hand, it reflects their belief in the Indian democratic framework and their desire to serve the nation. On the other, it highlights the urgent need to address the unemployment crisis that leaves them scrambling for any available opportunity.
The government must take this as a wake-up call. It is not enough to celebrate the success of these drives; there must be a concerted effort to create meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities. Only then can the aspirations of Kashmir’s youth truly be fulfilled, ensuring that their hope in democracy is matched by tangible progress in their lives.
Kashmiri youth have proven their mettle, resilience, and dedication. It is now up to the nation to provide them with the platforms they deserve — platforms that not only secure their futures but also empower them to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.
Mohammad Iqbal Wani is the Chief Editor of The Heaven Mail, a prominent news outlet. He is dedicated to delivering impactful journalism and thought-provoking insights.
The author can be reached at iqballg@gmail.com.
