Leverage PM-VBRY for jobs, growth

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s review of the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) in Jammu and Kashmir comes at a crucial juncture, when unemployment particularly among the youth remains a pressing concern. The scheme, aimed at incentivising employment generation, offers a valuable opportunity for the Union Territory to translate policy intent into tangible job creation and inclusive economic growth. PM-VBRY is designed to encourage employers to expand their workforce by providing support linked to new employment. In a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where the private sector is gradually gaining momentum, such incentives can play a catalytic role. However, the Chief Secretary’s emphasis on employers fully leveraging the scheme underlines a key challenge: awareness and effective participation. Many eligible enterprises, especially small and medium businesses, either remain unaware of the benefits or are hesitant due to procedural complexities. For the scheme to deliver results, government departments must ensure robust outreach and handholding. Simplifying processes, ensuring timely reimbursements and building trust among employers are essential. District administrations and labour departments have a critical role in identifying potential beneficiaries, facilitating registrations and resolving bottlenecks on the ground. Equally important is aligning PM-VBRY with local economic strengths. Sectors such as tourism, handicrafts, horticulture, construction and emerging service industries hold significant employment potential. Targeted efforts to link the scheme with these sectors can maximise impact and create sustainable jobs rather than short-term placements. Inclusive growth must remain the core objective. The scheme should prioritise youth, women and those from economically weaker sections, ensuring that job creation translates into broader social stability. Transparent monitoring and data-driven assessment will be vital to measure outcomes and course-correct where needed. The Chief Secretary’s review sends a clear message that government schemes alone cannot solve unemployment unless employers actively participate. With coordinated efforts, PM-VBRY can become a powerful instrument in building a resilient, job-rich economy in Jammu and Kashmir.