As soon as the studies of an individual living in Kashmir gets completed, the only wish that still remains unfulfilled especially for the parents and relatives is a handsome government job. In some cases, even from backdoor recommendations to bribes, people become hysterical for public sector jobs.
This government job obsession began with the rule of Baskhi Ghulam Mohammad in J&K. Earlier due to prevalent illiteracy, people were mainly involved in unskilled and tedious works but the things started to change and the aspiration for government jobs grew manifold that continues to remain a standard until this day.
A genuine craving for public sector jobs is justified because of the pathetic condition of the private jobs in Kashmir wherein private employees are not being treated as per the guidelines issued by the Labour Department. The work bonds with minimal salaries are a legitimised norm. Appalling, teachers in various private schools are paid not more than 1800 a month. This is a stark reality of the public sector in Kashmir.
Citing political instability and pandemic lockdowns is enough for employers to shamelessly usurp the salaries of its staff. There are cases wherein for years the salaries of the staff have not been paid, cases wherein for five years the salaries have not been upgraded and cases wherein persons have been terminated without any notices. This is our public sector.
There is no doubt that a plethora of opportunities and enough potential lies for the private sector to thrive in Kashmir but the problem persists with the existence of a vicious monopolised employership that needs to be brought under the ambience of rules and regulations set by the government. Anyone who takes unjustified advantage of its employees must be penalised.
This is definitely a herculean task wherein many big industries and business firms in Kashmir are not only taking advantage of its employers but also of their potential consumers. That’s why many commodities manufactured outside J&K are still cheaper and more durable when compared to most goods produced here. But that’s a revelation to be made in the impending future.
