KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Mar 24: Amid growing concerns over rising unemployment in Jammu & Kashmir, the government on Monday expressed optimism, revealing a gradual decline in the unemployment rate across the Union Territory. Responding to a series of starred questions raised by MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, during the ongoing Assembly session, the government presented comprehensive data and highlighted the proactive measures undertaken to address the employment crisis.
Shah’s inquiry focused on whether unemployment levels in Jammu & Kashmir had reached alarming levels and sought clarity on the government’s future strategies to mitigate the challenge. The government’s response, presented by the concerned minister, cited data from the Economic Survey of Jammu & Kashmir 2025, which showed a decline in the unemployment rate for people aged 15 years and above—from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 6.1% in 2023-24. This downward trend was attributed to increased economic activity and the government’s targeted initiatives to boost job opportunities.
Positive Indicators of Labour Market Participation
Further supporting this positive outlook, the government highlighted an improvement in key labour market indicators. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to 64.3% in 2023-24, while the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) increased to 60.4%, reflecting greater workforce engagement and participation across the region.
Recruitment Drive and Vacancy Updates
In response to Shah’s query about the government’s efforts to address unemployment, the minister detailed the ongoing recruitment drive. Over the past two years, 13,466 non-gazetted vacancies were referred to the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), resulting in 9,351 selections. Additionally, 2,390 gazetted vacancies were referred to the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), with 2,175 selections finalized.
A particular emphasis was placed on addressing Class-IV (MTS) vacancies, with 10,757 positions identified across various departments currently under review for further scrutiny. These efforts underscore the government’s focus on filling critical positions and reducing employment gaps, especially in lower-level administrative posts.
Department-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
The government provided a detailed breakdown of the vacancies across different departments as of January 31, 2025, highlighting the following:
Agriculture Production: 47 gazetted, 848 non-gazetted, and 445 MTS positions.
Health and Medical Education: 1,584 gazetted, 4,603 non-gazetted, and 1,664 MTS vacancies.
Horticulture: 64 gazetted, 317 non-gazetted, and 434 MTS positions.
Education: 150 gazetted, 163 non-gazetted, and 174 MTS vacancies.
Public Works (R&B): 0 gazetted, 1,099 non-gazetted, and 2,660 MTS positions.
In total, 32,474 vacancies across all categories (gazetted, non-gazetted, and MTS) remain unfilled, indicating a substantial need for recruitment across key sectors.
Recruitment Reforms to Enhance Efficiency
The government highlighted several significant reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the recruitment process. These include:
Abolition of Interviews: To eliminate subjectivity and ensure fairness, interviews for positions up to Pay Level 5 were abolished, with this policy extended to Pay Level 6 from 2025 onwards.
Introduction of Computer-Based Tests (CBT): JKSSB and JKPSC have transitioned to CBT mode for various exams, ensuring a streamlined, faster, and more transparent selection process.
Consolidation of Similar Exams: To reduce duplication and expedite recruitment, the government has consolidated multiple examinations for posts with similar qualifications and requirements.
The government has set ambitious targets to complete 1,502 gazetted and 5,751 non-gazetted recruitments by the end of the year, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the unemployment issue effectively.
Updates to Recruitment Rules and Policy Adjustments
As part of ongoing reforms post-reorganization, the government updated Recruitment Rules across departments, including Agriculture, Health, Transport, and Youth Services. These updates account for changes in qualifications, eligibility conditions, and the evolving administrative requirements in the Union Territory.
However, the government acknowledged that certain posts had to be withdrawn due to amendments in qualification criteria and the abolition of the J&K Permanent Resident Certificate Act, aligning the recruitment framework with the new domicile rules and reservation policies.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the government’s response presented an optimistic scenario, it admitted that addressing unemployment in Jammu & Kashmir remains a complex challenge requiring sustained reforms and policy interventions. The ongoing revisions in recruitment rules and targeted efforts to fill vacancies across sectors are seen as positive steps. However, continued vigilance and adaptability in the face of changing economic dynamics will be essential to sustain long-term improvements in the employment landscape.
