Endowed with intellectual capital, resilience, and immense human potential, a substantial segment of the Jammu and Kashmir’s younger generation continues to grapple with systemic constraints, institutional inadequacies, and socio-economic uncertainties. Decades of political turbulence, policy inconsistencies, and developmental deficits have collectively produced a generation that finds itself in a landscape marked more by adversity than opportunity.
For years, successive power structures, irrespective of political affiliations, have often viewed youth as instruments of political mobilisation rather than stakeholders in development. Their aspirations were seldom prioritised, their grievances frequently overlooked, and their energies inadequately channelised towards productive and nation-building endeavours. Consequently, a generation that could have emerged as a catalyst for innovation and progress was left vulnerable to disillusionment and alienation.
Today, unemployment remains the most formidable challenge confronting the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The disconnect between educational attainment and employment generation has widened considerably. Thousands of graduates and postgraduates enter the labour market annually, only to encounter limited opportunities and prolonged uncertainty. The overdependence on government employment, coupled with inadequate industrialisation, restricted private-sector expansion, and insufficient entrepreneurial ecosystems, has exacerbated the employment crisis.
Equally pernicious is the growing prevalence of influence peddling, arguably one of the most corrosive manifestations of corruption in the region. When patronage networks supersede meritocratic principles, institutional credibility suffers irreparable damage. The perception that access, affiliations, and influence outweigh competence creates an environment of cynicism and disenchantment. Such practices not only undermine fairness but also deprive society of capable individuals whose talents remain unrecognised and underutilised.
The consequences extend beyond economics. Persistent unemployment and perceived injustice contribute to a crisis of confidence among young people. Many find themselves trapped between aspiration and reality, equipped with qualifications but deprived of avenues to translate those qualifications into meaningful livelihoods. This disconnect fuels frustration and erodes faith in institutions that are expected to uphold transparency and equity.
Yet, it would be intellectually dishonest to place the entire burden of responsibility upon governments and institutions alone. The youth themselves must undertake a critical introspection. The digital revolution has democratised access to knowledge, skills, and global opportunities. However, an increasing culture of digital distraction has emerged as a significant impediment to personal growth. Excessive engagement with social media, often characterised by passive consumption rather than productive utilisation, has diverted valuable time and attention away from skill acquisition, innovation, and self-development.
Policymakers must prioritise employment centric growth, strengthen vocational and technical education, encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure that recruitment processes remain transparent and merit-based. Simultaneously, educational institutions must align curricula with evolving market requirements, while civil society must actively create a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence.
Above all, the youth of Jammu and Kashmir must recognise that resilience, adaptability, and self-reliance are indispensable attributes in an increasingly competitive world. While systemic reforms are imperative, personal initiative remains equally crucial.
-Sajad Bazaz
