Kashmir’s youth grapple with jobs, rising costs, and frustration
IIOJK civil society warns leaders to address mounting anxieties
Srinagar: Civil society and youth groups have raised alarm over growing unemployment, unpaid wages, and rising living costs in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, urging political leaders to urgently address the territory’s youth concerns.
According to Kashmir Media Service, reports highlight that electricity bills often match or exceed rent, daily-wage workers remain unpaid for months, and job seekers face repeated rejections. Nearly a year after the 2024 assembly elections—where young voters had turned out in large numbers hoping for change—anxiety and frustration among youth continue to rise.
Official data from 2023 shows over a quarter of 20–29-year-olds in IIOJK remain unemployed, well above the national average. Engineering graduates are taking jobs as cab drivers or delivery workers, while postgraduates await government positions that rarely materialize.
Private-sector opportunities are limited, and although more than a dozen startup incubation centers exist, most young entrepreneurs report lack of mentorship, guidance, and funding. “Many talented youth remain stuck, frustrated, and unsure about their future,” said Tufail Hassan, a local startup founder.
Civil society groups warned that unless immediate steps are taken to provide jobs, fair wages, and support for young entrepreneurs, youth disillusionment could continue to deepen, shaping the political discourse in the territory.
