The Jammu and Kashmir government has reported that as of January 2025, over 3.70 lakh unemployed youth have registered on the official employment portal. This significant number includes 1.13 lakh graduates and post-graduates, indicating a growing demand for job opportunities across various sectors.
Government’s Plan for Employment Generation
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who also serves as the Minister for Labour and Employment, addressed the issue in response to a query raised by BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma in the Assembly. He emphasized the government’s commitment to developing policies aimed at providing employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled youth in the Union Territory (UT).
“A total of 3,70,811 unemployed youth have registered on the employment portal as of January 2025,” Choudhary stated. He also cited a baseline survey which revealed that out of 4.73 lakh individuals aged 18 to 60 surveyed, a substantial portion was willing to work but remained unemployed.
Read also: Over 32,000 Govt. Job Vacancies in Jammu & Kashmir: Recruitment Updates
Key Initiatives Under Mission Youth
To address this challenge, the government has implemented several initiatives under Mission Youth, focusing on skill development and employment generation.
The registration data includes:
- 66,628 graduates
- 47,114 post-graduates
- 15,396 other degree holders
- 9,884 diploma holders
Choudhary emphasized that the registration of unemployed youth is voluntary, enabling job seekers to access self-employment schemes and job opportunities provided by various departments.
Government Schemes for Youth Employment
The government has introduced several schemes designed to enhance self-employment and job creation:
- Mumkin Scheme – Launched in 2020-21, this scheme promotes livelihood opportunities in the transport sector, assisting youth in becoming self-reliant.
- Tejaswini Scheme – Introduced in 2022-23, this initiative aims to empower young women through financial aid and business opportunities.
- Parvaaz Scheme – Also launched in 2022-23, this scheme prepares youth for competitive and recruitment examinations, boosting their chances of securing government and private sector jobs.
- Tourist Village Development Programme – Encourages entrepreneurship in the tourism sector, creating job prospects in rural areas.
- Specialized Programs for Dental Professionals & Youth in Distress – These initiatives cater to specific professions and vulnerable groups, providing skill training and financial assistance.
Job Fairs and Skill Development Programs
Over the past three years, the government has organized 246 job fairs, leading to the on-the-spot selection of 4,893 candidates. Around 2,760 companies have participated, recommending 6,640 individuals for skill training.
Additionally, permanent facilitation centers have been set up at the district level to provide:
- Career counseling
- Skill enhancement workshops
- Seminars tailored to market demands
The government has also launched widespread skill development programs across various sectors, ensuring that unemployed youth receive training aligned with industry requirements.
Mission Yuva: Fostering Entrepreneurship & Self-Reliance
Under the approval of the Administrative Council, the government has introduced Mission Yuva, an ambitious program aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and promoting self-reliance among youth.
Read also: Studying MBBS Abroad? Important Guidelines for Degree Validity in India
Key Objectives of Mission Yuva:
- Creation of 1.37 lakh new enterprises
- Generation of 4.25 lakh employment opportunities within five years
- Comprehensive four-pronged approach for employment generation
The program focuses on:
- Baseline Surveys & Identification of Entrepreneurs – Using AI-driven tools and on-ground investigations to identify potential business owners.
- Credit Enablement & Market Support – Providing subsidies, interest subvention, and market linkages for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
- Technology-Driven Ecosystem – Implementing AI tools, sector-specific skill training, and an online marketplace to streamline business operations.
- Institutional Support & Engagement – Ensuring targeted self-employment schemes, skill development, and financial assistance to maximize impact.
The Jammu and Kashmir government is actively working to reduce unemployment through strategic policies and innovative programs. With job fairs, skill development training, and entrepreneurship support, the government aims to empower the youth with the necessary tools to succeed in the evolving job market.
By leveraging technology, fostering self-employment, and strengthening market linkages, these initiatives are paving the way for sustainable economic growth and a more prosperous future for young individuals in Jammu and Kashmir.
