Srinagar: First-time voters in Kashmir Valley are heading to the Assembly polls after a decade, motivated by rising unemployment in the region. Many young voters feel the economic situation has deteriorated since Jammu and Kashmir’s status was downgraded from a full-fledged state to a Union Territory (UT), following the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A of India constitution by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in 2019.
In North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Mohammad Aamir, a recent graduate, is eager to exercise his voting rights. “I’ve had the right to vote for five years, but due to governor rule, I couldn’t participate until now,” he shared. While optimistic about the potential for a new government, Aamir expressed deep concern over the alarming unemployment rate, which stands at 18.3%—far exceeding the national average of 8%, as reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Aamir lamented the lack of job opportunities, stating, “What will I do after finishing my studies? We have countless PhD holders waiting for jobs. There has been no large-scale recruitment in government sectors for the past decade, contributing to this crisis.”
This soaring unemployment has also spurred a troubling rise in drug abuse across the region. A parliamentary report reveals that approximately 1.35 million people in Jammu and Kashmir are struggling with substance abuse—roughly 8% of the population. Aamir connects this issue directly to the job crisis, noting, “After finishing their studies, many young people find themselves stressed and turn to drugs as an escape.”
The first legislative assembly elections as a Union Territory began on September 18, with over 60% voter turnout, as residents exercised their right to choose their representatives. Several first time voters who cast their vote in first phase of the election expressed same concern and look hopefully at the new cabinet.
Yasmeen, a science student from Pulwama, found herself waiting in line to vote for the first time. Despite her family’s historical support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they have shifted allegiance to the National Conference (NC) this election. “Initially, I wasn’t serious about voting, but as a student dreaming of a better future, I felt compelled to participate,” she explained.
She criticised the present administration’s job reservation policies, which she believes marginalised local youth while opening doors for outsiders. “We’ve suffered due to poor leadership; politicians have exploited us for their gain,” she said. She hoped young voters would choose capable leaders who understand their challenges.
“Every politician misused us in past to build their empires. But this time we are hopeful that the young voters will make a change by electing young and capable leaders who will do better work on ground,” Yasmeen said while speaking to News9.
Interestingly, Yasmeen is torn between her family’s support for NC and her desire to vote for the PDP candidate, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, whom she believes better represents young voters. “He’s young, educated, and has shown genuine interest in our issues during his campaign,” she stated.
Similarly, Faheem Ahmad, an engineering graduate, is hopeful that the new government will address the severe job vacancies in various departments, with around 65% of posts reportedly unfilled. “I’ve had to step into my father’s business due to the sector’s decline since 2019,” he explained. Ahmad urged the new cabinet to consider relaxing age limits for job eligibility, especially for youth who have surpassed the standard age due to stagnant recruitment.
Amid these discussions, opposition parties have accused the BJP of misleading the public regarding employment statistics, claiming that Jammu and Kashmir faces its highest unemployment rate in 45 years. AICC National Media Coordinator Dolly Sharma highlighted that the actual rate may be as high as 28.2%, contrary to government assertions. “Contrary to claims by Union minister Anurag Thakur and LG Manoj Sinha, Jammu and Kashmir ranks second in the country for unemployment with a rate of 28.2 per cent, as per the data,” Sharma told reporters in Jammu.
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