Faheem ulislam
A few weeks ago, after a career counselling session, I sat with a group of students discussing their future plans. Most of them were graduates. Some had completed postgraduate studies. Almost everyone was preparing for one government examination or another. Out of curiosity, I asked a simple question: Suppose the government job does not come. What is your alternative plan?The students looked at one another. After a brief silence, one young man replied, “Sir, I have never thought about anything else.”His response was honest. More importantly, it reflected a reality that exists across Kashmir today.
Walk into any coaching centre in Srinagar, Pulwama, Anantnag or Baramulla or any other corner of kashmir and you will find hundreds of young people preparing for government examinations. Visit a roadside tea stall near a college campus and the discussion is often the same recruitment notifications, examination dates, vacancies and selection.
There is nothing wrong with that dream. In fact, the attraction is understandable. Government jobs offer stability, security, a regular income and social respect. Parents feel reassured when their children secure such employment. In a place that has experienced economic uncertainties for decades, a secure job naturally becomes the preferred choice. The businesses sector has suffered a lot in kashmir as compare to other states of India because of such uncertainties parents always prefer government job for their wards.
According to official figures presented in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly earlier this year, more than 3.7 lakh educated youth are registered as unemployed. The number is alarming. Behind every statistic is a real person a graduate waiting for an opportunity, a family hoping for financial stability, and a young individual trying to build a future among all such chaos.
Every year, thousands of students graduate from colleges and universities across Jammu and Kashmir. Yet government vacancies remain limited. Even if recruitment drives are conducted regularly, they cannot absorb every educated young person entering the job market. We need to understand this circle also. Every educated or I can say graduate can not be accommodated in government sector.
As someone who often interacts with students, I have noticed that many young people can clearly tell you the designation they wantwhether teacher, lecturer, police officer, JKAS/IAS officer or clerk. However, very few can explain what they would do if those opportunities do not materialise.Rather, it is because our society has spent years defining success in a very narrow way. Society has always given prestige to those serving at public govtposts at different levels.
Today, scenario has changed, A young person from a village in Kashmir can work remotely for a company located hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away. Many are earning through digital marketing, graphic designing, content writing, software development, online tutoring and freelance services. These opportunities were uncommon a decade ago but have become increasingly accessible through technology and internet connectivity.Unfortunately, many of our young people either remain unaware of these possibilities or hesitate to pursue them because they do not carry the same social prestige as government employment.
Kashmir itself offers enormous opportunities if we are willing to look beyond conventional thinking. One of our economy’s most robust industries is still tourism. The Valley’s unmatched beauty draws tourists from all over the nation and the world each year. In addition to hotel owners and tour operators, this opens doors for photographers, travel planners, internet marketers, transportation companies, tour guides, and content producers.
Similarly, our horticulture sector continues to be a backbone of the economy. Kashmir’s apples reach markets across India, yet there is tremendous scope in packaging, branding, processing and exports. Young educated people can contribute significantly to these areas through innovation and entrepreneurship. The dynamic Italy apple has also become a source of livelihood for many educated youth who serves from installation of poles till harvesting. I have witnessed this change in our local area of SIDCO industrial area inlassiporaPulwamawhere hundreds of young educated minds have started their own business with the help of government schemes and provide livelihood to others too.
Our handicraft sector presents another example. Kashmiri carpets, shawls and paper mache products enjoy global recognition. With proper use of digital platforms, social media and e-commerce, local artisans and entrepreneurs can access markets far beyond the Valley.We already have examples of young Kashmiris creating their own paths, from Delivery apps toself help groups. There are many stories across Kashmir, though they often receive less attention than government recruitment announcements. Young entrepreneurs are running online businesses, promoting local products, developing tourism ventures and offering digital services. Their success may look different, but it is success nonetheless.
Exams and degrees have been the main focus of our educational system for far too long. Academic credentials are still crucial, but businesses are increasingly seeking candidates with digital literacy, problem-solving capabilities, communication skills, and practical expertise. colleges should promote internships, expand career counseling, and introduce students to new industries. Students should be made aware of both the evolving nature of employment and exams.
Parents, too, have an important responsibility, Wanting a secure future for one’s child is natural. However, encouraging children to explore entrepreneurship, private-sector careers or skill-based professions should not be seen as lowering expectations. A successful entrepreneur creating employment for ten people contributes as much to society as any public servant.
The conversation about employment in Kashmir needs to become broader and more realistic. We cannot continue measuring success through a single yardstick. Government jobs will remain important and desirable, but they cannot be the only destination for every young person.
Our youth possess intelligence, creativity and resilience. What they need is confidence to explore different possibilities and the support to pursue them. I urge government offices to organise more and more scheme awareness programs in different districts to reach mass audience of educated youth. It can play a vital role of bridging the gap and making transparency among such schemes.
For years, we have asked how many jobs the government can provide. Perhaps it is time to ask another question as well: how many opportunities can our young people create for themselves and for others?
The answer to that question may determine the future of an entire generation.
About the Author
Faheem ulislam is an Author, Public Speaker and Post Graduate student of International Politics from Aligarh Muslim University.
