Srinagar, November 15: The Directorate of Employment (DOE) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has reported that 3.52 lakh youth were registered as unemployed in the first quarter of 2024. Of these, 1.09 lakh are graduates and post-graduates, which is 31% of the total.
Director Employment Nisar Ahmad Wani said that in the last quarter of 2023, the department registered 99,322 unemployed graduates and post-graduates, which is 10,000 more than the previous figure.
A report by the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) highlighted an alarming unemployment rate of 23.1 percent in Jammu and Kashmir, the highest in India. However, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s Economic Survey 2023 presented conflicting figures, showing that unemployment declined from 6.7 percent in 2019-20 to 5.2 percent in 2021-22. The survey also noted a quarterly urban unemployment rate (UUR) of 13.5% for October-December 2022, compared to the national average of 8.2% for the same period, according to data from the Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS). And according to the count.
Despite more than 300,000 vacant government posts in fields such as education, law enforcement and public administration, the region continues to struggle with high unemployment rates, leaving many qualified candidates struggling.
JKSSRB Chairperson Indu Kanwal Chibb outlined the current recruitment situation, noting that 22,624 selections have been finalized since 2019 and another 874 are under process. Examinations for 4,921 posts are scheduled in the coming weeks and 3,299 posts are ready for advertisement but are awaiting clarification or legal resolutions.
The vacancies cover key departments, including Home (1,336 posts), Health and Medical Education (415), Jal Shakti (314) and Power Development (292).
He told the Chief Secretary that since 2019, the board has finalized 22,624 selections, another 874 are being processed, and there are examinations for 4,921 posts in the coming weeks. Additionally, 3,299 posts are ready for advertisement, awaiting clarification or resolution of legal issues. These include 1,336 in Home Department, 415 in Health and Medical Education, 314 in Jal Shakti, 292 in Power Development Department (PDD), 222 in Industry and Commerce, 177 in Public Works (R&B), 185 in Agriculture, 129 in Agriculture. . in forestry, 73 in higher education, 38 in revenue, and 61 in transport, he added.

Bilal Ahmed, an eminent doctor awaiting recruitment in the health department, expressed his dissatisfaction:
“The vacancies have been there for years, and despite promises, the recruitment process is painfully slow. We are ready to serve, but this delay is disappointing.”
Similarly, education graduate Shazia Khan lamented the lack of transparency in recruitment:
“I’ve applied for several teaching positions, but the delay means I’m left idle while colleagues in other states get jobs.”
Imran Ahmed, another job seeker, criticized the stagnation in the recruitment process: “Vacancies are advertised, but the process rarely moves forward. The uncertainty is discouraging.”
Meanwhile, in a recent meeting with officials, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atul Dilu emphasized the importance of timely recruitment. He directed the departments to submit the details of vacancies, clarify the posts based on reservation and resolve the procedural delays. He also urged the J&K Services Selection Recruitment Board (JKSSRB) to create an annual recruitment calendar to streamline the process.
Minister of Social Welfare, Health and Education Sakina Eto also recently reiterated the administration’s commitment to tackling unemployment. He announced the approval of 575 lecturer posts in the School Education Department, which is part of the National Conference’s manifesto to create 100,000 jobs and tackle economic challenges.
The Chief Minister is committed to providing employment opportunities to 100,000 youth. Our aim is to fill all vacancies quickly,” said Ito.