Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Srinagar Tops Jobless Chart as J&K Hits 3.6 Lakh Unemployed
Imagine many young people in Jammu and Kashmir have finished their studies but can't find jobs.
The government recently shared that over 360,000 young people are registered as looking for work.
Srinagar, the main city, has the most unemployed people.
There are more men than women looking for jobs.
This is a bigger problem in J&K than in the rest of India.
The economy has changed, moving away from farming to jobs like in shops and offices, but new industries aren't creating enough new jobs.
The government has a plan to help start new businesses and teach new skills, but it's a big challenge.
Many young people feel stuck because there aren't enough job openings in companies or with the government.
Experts say more investment in new industries is needed to help everyone find work.
Jammu and Kashmir has 361,146 registered unemployed educated youth as of September 2025.
Srinagar district has the highest number of unemployed youth with 23,826 registrations.
The youth unemployment rate in J&K (17.4%) is significantly higher than the national average (10.2%).
The government's 'Mission Youth–Mission YUVA' aims to create 4.25 lakh job opportunities through entrepreneurship and skill development.
Economic experts attribute the crisis to a shift from agriculture to the service sector without adequate industrial growth, leading to job scarcity.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir government and unemployed youth
- What
- Disclosure of 361,146 registered unemployed educated youth in J&K, with Srinagar district having the highest number.
- When
- As of September 2025, with data presented during the ongoing Assembly session.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, with a specific mention of Srinagar district.
- Why
- The crisis is attributed to structural economic shifts from agriculture to services without corresponding industrial growth, leading to limited job creation for educated youth.
Youth Perspective
Government & Expert Perspective
Effectiveness of Job Fairs and Opportunities
Youth Perspective
Youth like Shazia Qadri express frustration, stating they attend job fairs but find no 'real jobs', with a weak private sector and rare government posts.
Government & Expert Perspective
The government, through Mission Youth, is organizing career fairs and job expos and aims to create 4.25 lakh job opportunities via entrepreneurship and skill development.
Root Causes and Solutions
Youth Perspective
Sociology graduate Shazia Qadri feels 'stuck between hope and helplessness' due to the lack of viable employment.
Government & Expert Perspective
Economics student Dr. Nayeem Bhat and the article suggest structural economic shifts and stagnant industrial growth as root causes, calling for targeted investment and structural reform. The article also notes the overall unemployment rate is double the national average.
- Total Registered Unemployed Youth
- 361,146
- Unemployment Rate (Youth)
- 17.4%
- Unemployment Rate (Overall)
- 6.7%
- Youth Unemployment Rate vs National Average
- 17.4% vs 10.2%
- Overall Unemployment Rate vs National Average
- 6.7% vs 3.5%
- Registered Unemployed in Kashmir Division
- 208,000+
- Registered Unemployed in Jammu Division
- 152,000+
- Registered Unemployed in Srinagar District
- 23,826