Srinagar, July 11 (KNS): Former Deputy Mayor Sheikh Imran has raised serious concerns over the rising unemployment among agricultural graduates in Jammu and Kashmir.

As per the statement issued here, Highlighting the plight of the Unemployed Agricultural Graduates Association of Jammu and Kashmir (UAGAJK), Imran pointed out the government's inadequate policies and several unfilled vacancies in the J&K Agriculture Production Department.

Sheikh Imran drew attention to the association's criticisms of SRO-442, a regulation that has drastically changed the recruitment process for Junior Agriculture Extension Officers (JAEO). Previously, the recruitment followed a 60:40 direct recruitment ratio, but SRO-442 has shifted this to a 100% promotional basis. This policy change limits job opportunities for new agricultural graduates and obstructs the inclusion of fresh talent into the agriculture sector.

"The government's shift to a 100% promotional basis under SRO-442 is a major setback for agricultural graduates," Imran stated.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"This policy not only restricts job opportunities but also leaves many vacancies unfilled, worsening the unemployment crisis among graduates."

Imran has called for the immediate intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to address these issues. He urges the repeal of SRO-442, the resumption of direct recruitment, and the re-advertisement of previously withdrawn posts.

"These steps are important to provide fair job opportunities to our agricultural graduates and to boost the agricultural workforce in Jammu and Kashmir," Imran emphasized.

"It's imperative that we adopt a more equitable and effective approach to hiring in the agriculture sector to ensure our graduates can find meaningful employment and contribute to the state's agricultural development", he added.(KNS)