Srinagar, Mar 24 (KNS): The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 370,811 registered unemployed educated youth as of January 2025, according to data released by the Labour and Employment Department. The figures, disclosed in response to a starred legislative query, highlight the scale of unemployment amid ongoing government efforts to boost job creation and entrepreneurship.
A total of 370,811 educated youth have voluntarily registered on the Employment Portal, with 213,007 from the Kashmir Division and 157,804 from the Jammu Division. Among districts, Anantnag (30,012) and Srinagar (29,384) reported the highest number of unemployed individuals. The data also reveals a gender disparity, with males accounting for 65% (240,502) of registrations, while females make up 35% (130,309).
Under Mission YUVA, a baseline survey identified 558,870 potential entrepreneurs as of February 2, 2025. Of these, 154,695 individuals were employed, while 347,247 remained unemployed, and 56,928 were unregistered. Anantnag led with 62,204 surveyed individuals, followed by Baramulla (56,898) and Rajouri (41,278).
In the past two years, 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 jobs were filled, including 1,141 through JKPSC and 3,955 through JKSSB.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelIn 2024, the number increased to 7,943, with 2,012 recruited through JKPSC and 5,351 through JKSSB.
Between 2022 and 2025, 246 job fairs were conducted, engaging 136,200 job seekers. During this period, 39,782 individuals received skill development training, while 6,640 women benefited from business impact programs.
The district-wise unemployment figures for Kashmir Division include Anantnag (30,012), Pulwama (28,274), and Srinagar (29,384). In Jammu Division, Jammu district recorded 21,131 unemployed individuals, Kathua 27,040, and Rajouri 16,552.
The Labour Department noted that unemployment registration is voluntary, suggesting that the actual number of unemployed individuals could be higher. While Mission YUVA aims to promote entrepreneurship, 62% of the surveyed entrepreneurs remain unemployed.
“The government is committed to addressing unemployment through targeted schemes and partnerships,” stated the Minister Incharge of the Labour and Employment Department.
Annexures cited discrepancies in some totals, such as the reported 558,870 surveyed individuals under Mission YUVA, although district-wise figures match the total.(KNS)