The unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 6.7 per cent, nearly double the national average of 3.5 per cent, highlighting a growing employment challenge in the Union Territory. The Government shared this data in the Legislative Assembly while responding to questions raised by MLA Mubarik Gul, revealing fluctuating job trends over recent years.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, J&K recorded an unemployment rate of 6.1 per cent in 2023–24, compared to 4.4 per cent in 2022–23, 5.2 per cent in 2021–22, 5.9 per cent in 2020–21, and 6.7 per cent in 2019–20. These figures underline persistent employment gaps, especially among young job seekers.
Nearly 4.73 Lakh Residents Ready to Work
An extensive survey conducted in January 2025 by the Employment Department, in collaboration with district administrations under Mission YUVA, found that 4.73 lakh individuals aged 18 to 60 reported being “not working but willing to work.” This figure emerged from a total surveyed population of 64.8 lakh, indicating a substantial workforce eager for opportunities.
Mission YUVA Drives Youth Empowerment
To combat rising unemployment, the Government has positioned Mission YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan) as its flagship initiative. The program focuses on entrepreneurship promotion, skill development, recruitment drives, and self-employment generation, offering young people a structured pathway to financial independence.
Since its launch, more than 1.71 lakh youth have registered on the Mission YUVA platform, resulting in nearly 70,000 formal enterprise applications. Authorities have prepared Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for around 52,875 candidates, while 47,816 applications have already received district-level approval.
So far, 16,141 cases have completed the full approval cycle, leading to bank sanctions of nearly ₹1,000 crore, with over ₹700 crore already disbursed to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Training, Funding, and Future Approvals
Skill-building remains a key pillar of the initiative. About 7,339 entrepreneurs have completed training programs, and nearly 5,000 more are currently undergoing training. The Government also confirmed that around 15,000 additional applications are at an advanced stage and are expected to receive sanctions by March 31, 2026. Another 22,000 cases could be cleared within the next three to four months.
To attract first-time business owners, authorities introduced the Nano Enterprise model, which supports low-risk investments of ₹5–6 lakh. This model has already encouraged many young people to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
The Government has developed a comprehensive policy roadmap to generate employment for educated unemployed youth, placing Mission YUVA at its core. Through schemes like Mumkin, Tejaswani, Spurring Entrepreneurship Innovative Scheme, Women Entrepreneurship Programme, and dedicated entrepreneurship training, thousands of beneficiaries received support during 2023–24 and 2024–25.
Notably, Mission YUVA has attracted applications from 95 per cent of panchayats, reflecting widespread acceptance across urban and rural areas. Special priority goes to first-generation entrepreneurs, women, and youth from remote and border regions, ensuring inclusive economic growth.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to face employment pressures, Mission YUVA stands out as a powerful catalyst—transforming job seekers into job creators and offering hope to thousands of young aspirants across the Union Territory.
