SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 28: The Jammu and Kashmir government has revealed that as of September 2025, a total of 3,61,146 educated unemployed youth are registered across the Union Territory, highlighting the growing challenge of job creation despite ongoing employment and entrepreneurship initiatives.
According to official Kashmir life data shared with the House, the Kashmir Division accounts for the highest number of registrations at 2.08 lakh, while the Jammu Division has recorded 1.52 lakh educated unemployed youth.
District-Wise Breakdown
As per the figures, Anantnag district leads the chart with 32,298 registered unemployed youth, followed by Pulwama (28,671), Kathua (26,798), Srinagar (23,826), and Kulgam (21,446).
On the lower end, Kishtwar (8,870) and Reasi (12,376) reported the fewest registrations, indicating regional variations in employment patterns across the Union Territory.
Gender-Wise Distribution
The data further shows that out of the total unemployed youth, 2,33,845 are male, while 1,27,301 are female, reflecting a significant gender gap in the employment scenario of Jammu and Kashmir.
Government’s Employment Initiatives
To address the rising unemployment, the government said that the Employment Department, under the Mission Youth / Mission YUVA initiative, aims to create 4.25 lakh job opportunities through the establishment of 1.37 lakh entrepreneurship units.
These initiatives are designed to promote self-employment, startups, and skill development among the educated youth across urban and rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Additionally, district-level employment and counselling centres have been organizing Career Melas and Rozgar Melas to enhance youth engagement, innovation, and livelihood awareness, providing a bridge between job seekers and potential employers.
Focus on Self-Reliance
Officials emphasize that these programs aim not just to provide jobs but to cultivate a culture of self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and skill-based employment among the youth, thereby reducing dependence on government jobs.
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