Srinagar: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a significant unemployment crisis, with 370,811 educated youth registered as unemployed as of January 2025, according to data released by the Labour and Employment Department. The figures, disclosed in response to a starred question in the Assembly, underscore the persistent challenge of providing adequate employment opportunities despite ongoing government initiatives.
The data reveals that 213,007 unemployed youth have registered in the Kashmir Division, while 157,804 have registered in the Jammu Division. Anantnag (30,012) and Srinagar (29,384) reported the highest number of unemployed individuals, highlighting the severity of the situation in these districts. Furthermore, the data highlights a notable gender disparity, with 65% of registrants being male (240,502), while females account for 35% (130,309).
Mission YUVA’s Mixed Outcomes
Under Mission YUVA, a baseline survey conducted until 2 February 2025 identified 558,870 potential entrepreneurs across the region. However, of these, 347,247 remain unemployed, while 154,695 individuals have found employment. Anantnag topped the survey with 62,204 identified individuals, followed by Baramulla (56,898) and Rajouri (41,278).
Despite Mission YUVA’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship, a staggering 62% of surveyed individuals remain unemployed, suggesting that the initiative is yet to achieve its intended impact.
Limited Progress in Public Sector Recruitment
Between 2022 and 2025, 12,524 appointments were made through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB). In 2023, 4,581 positions were filled, with 1,141 recruited through JKPSC and 3,955 through JKSSB. The numbers saw a slight improvement in 2024, with 7,943 recruitments, including 2,012 through JKPSC and 5,351 through JKSSB.
Efforts to Engage Job Seekers and Boost Skills
Over the past three years, 246 job fairs were conducted across the region, engaging 136,200 job seekers. During this period, 39,782 individuals received skill development training, while 6,640 women benefited from business impact programmes aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship.
District-Wise Unemployment Overview
In Kashmir Division, the highest unemployment was recorded in Anantnag (30,012), Pulwama (28,274), and Srinagar (29,384). In Jammu Division, Jammu district reported 21,131 unemployed individuals, followed by Kathua with 27,040 and Rajouri with 16,552.
Unregistered Unemployed May Push Numbers Higher
The Labour and Employment Department has acknowledged that registration on the Employment Portal is voluntary, implying that the actual number of unemployed youth could be significantly higher. While the government continues to promote targeted schemes and encourage partnerships to address the issue, substantial gaps remain between policy intentions and ground realities.
“The government remains committed to tackling unemployment through targeted interventions and strategic partnerships,” said the Minister in charge of the Labour and Employment Department.
With thousands of youth still waiting for opportunities, experts believe that a stronger focus on bridging skill gaps and expanding entrepreneurial support could hold the key to reducing unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir.
