Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, May 20: Adil Ahmad (25) soon after his graduation, struggled for years to get a job. While few he rejected after being paid less, some he couldn’t get because of the lack of experience.
Last year only he came across the advertisement regarding a post in a logistics company. He applied for the post and got placed as a distribution manager in one of the leading logistics companies.
“I got a good salary package. I have been working for the last one year and many educated youth have also joined the company as delivery boys and staff,” he said.
Like Adil, scores of the youth have got adjusted in ecommerce and logistics in the valley.
The rise of e-commerce platforms coupled with a burgeoning logistics sector has not only transformed the region’s business landscape but has also emerged as a significant source of employment for its populace.
The shift towards online retailing has been particularly pronounced in recent years, driven by factors such as increased internet penetration, changing consumer preferences, and the convenience offered by digital shopping platforms. With the global pandemic further accelerating the adoption of online shopping, Kashmir has witnessed a surge in ecommerce activities, with both established players and local entrepreneurs venturing into the digital marketplace.
The convergence of ecommerce and logistics has created a ripple effect across various sectors, generating employment opportunities across the value chain. From warehouse managers and delivery personnel to IT professionals and customer service representatives, a diverse range of roles is now available, offering livelihood options to the youth of Kashmir.
Sheikh Zahoor Qari, president of Kashmir Courier Association said that over 4000 boys are currently associated with 20 courier companies as delivery boys.
He said a huge proportion of educated youth also work at different positions in these courier companies as well.
“Over the years e-commerce has grown enormously. The courier services have expanded to various districts of the valley. As of now, we have more than 4000 boys working as delivery boys,” he said.
Qari said the mushrooming of local e-commerce also expanded the sector in the valley. “The handicrafts sector has completely adopted e-commerce. So has the apparel industry, which is also transcending borders. The growth of the sector is providing employment opportunities to a lot of youth and I am sure in coming years, the e-commerce boom will be one of the major employment generating sectors of the valley,” he said.
