Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
As the echoes of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s maiden budget for Jammu and Kashmir resonate across the region, the people find themselves at a familiar crossroads—one filled with hope yet shadowed by skepticism. The Rs 1.12 lakh crore budget for 2025-26 has been presented as a vision for progress, offering free electricity to Antyodaya families, free transport for women, increased pensions, and incentives for tourism and industries. These measures, though commendable, barely scratch the surface of the deeper crisis plaguing the region—the desperation of its educated youth.
Jammu and Kashmir is home to thousands of highly qualified yet jobless youth, many of whom have dedicated years to education with the hope of securing dignified employment. The harsh reality, however, remains unchanged. Unemployment is not just a statistic; it is a psychological crisis. It breeds frustration, depression, substance abuse, and, in some cases, rebellion against the very system that was supposed to uplift them. While the budget promises economic development, it largely remains silent on the most pressing demand of the youth—employment.
One of the most glaring contradictions in this scenario is the existence of thousands of vacant posts in government departments while the number of unemployed graduates continues to rise. From education to healthcare, administrative services to public infrastructure, critical departments are suffering from severe staff shortages, yet young aspirants wait endlessly for recruitment processes that either remain stalled or move at a snail’s pace. Many schools and colleges across J&K function without adequate teaching staff, forcing students to suffer due to a lack of qualified educators. At the same time, thousands of qualified candidates who have cleared eligibility tests such as NET, SET, and Ph.D. remain unemployed. What is stopping the government from filling these vacancies?
A glaring example of this crisis is the plight of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) graduates. Since 2008, not a single government job has been announced for BDS doctors. While the government proudly established dental colleges, the graduates of these institutions have been left to struggle in a system that has offered them no space. Many have now crossed the age limit for government jobs, yet there has been no initiative to address their concerns. This is not just limited to dentistry—many other fields face the same neglect. In several departments, while a few posts are advertised, they resemble the classic case of “ek anaar, soh bimaar”—one opportunity for hundreds of desperate candidates.
Similarly, healthcare institutions lack doctors, paramedical staff, and support personnel, despite an army of medical graduates waiting for placements. The same is true for engineering, agriculture, and administrative services. The government’s reluctance to expedite job recruitment is widening the trust deficit between the youth and the administration. What is the purpose of a budget if it does not acknowledge and address the grievances of the very generation that will shape the future?
While Mission YUVA claims to generate 4.25 lakh jobs through entrepreneurship over five years, the youth of J&K need more than just ambitious figures on paper. They require immediate employment opportunities, transparent recruitment processes, and an end to delays and bureaucratic red tape. There is a growing sentiment among young people that they are being pushed towards private sector alternatives without being given a fair shot at government jobs, which remain one of the few stable employment avenues in the region.
The frustration of unemployed youth is no longer just a personal struggle; it is a ticking time bomb for society. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies are on the rise among educated youth who see no future despite their qualifications. The psychological burden of repeated failures in securing jobs is pushing many to the brink. J&K is already grappling with a severe drug addiction problem. Many young people, unable to cope with the pressure and disillusionment, turn to substance abuse as an escape from reality. When a society continuously fails its youth, frustration often takes the form of rebellion. The lack of opportunities has driven many young minds toward antisocial activities, further destabilizing the region. Many young professionals, despite their deep-rooted love for their homeland, are forced to seek opportunities outside J&K. This leads to an exodus of talent, weakening the state’s intellectual and economic future.
A state cannot thrive on freebies and subsidies alone; it must empower its citizens through employment, economic security, and self-reliance. The youth do not seek charity—they seek opportunity, dignity, and recognition of their hard work. Without substantial government job recruitment, the very foundation of this budget remains weak. The government must take immediate steps to expedite recruitment processes, ensure transparency in hiring, and strengthen mental health support for students and job seekers.
CM Omar Abdullah’s budget, though presented with optimism, must translate into tangible results. The educated youth of J&K cannot be kept waiting any longer. Their aspirations must not be sacrificed at the altar of political rhetoric. A budget is not just about numbers; it is about restoring faith, delivering justice, and ensuring that no young mind feels abandoned. If this administration truly seeks to bring change, let it begin with jobs, dignity, and hope—not just promises.
History will not remember the allocations of this budget, but it will remember whether it truly uplifted the youth or let them drown in despair. The choice is in the hands of the policymakers, but the consequences will be borne by the people. May wisdom prevail.
(The author is a distinguished educational columnist, motivational speaker. He can be reached at [email protected])
