Jammu: Raman Bhalla on Sunday strongly criticised the government’s decision to freeze vacant posts under austerity measures, terming it a “cruel joke” on the educated unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public gathering at Rajeev Nagar in Jammu, the former minister said the move would worsen the unemployment crisis in the Union Territory and shatter the hopes of thousands of qualified youth aspiring for government jobs.
Bhalla urged the administration to immediately review and withdraw the decision, saying austerity measures should not come at the cost of employment generation.
“The burden of austerity should not be placed on the shoulders of unemployed youth. If the government is serious about reducing expenditure, it should begin by curtailing unnecessary spending by the ruling elite and senior bureaucrats rather than blocking employment opportunities for deserving candidates,” he said.
Highlighting unemployment as one of the most pressing socio-economic challenges, Bhalla said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is particularly severe because of limited private-sector opportunities and a weak industrial base.
“Unlike many other states where industries and private enterprises provide large-scale employment, Jammu and Kashmir has a relatively weak industrial base. For decades, government service has remained one of the principal sources of stable employment for educated youth,” he said.
The Congress leader warned that prolonged unemployment could lead to serious social and economic consequences and stressed that employment generation should remain a priority area of governance.
Bhalla pointed out that thousands of vacancies remain unfilled in sectors such as education, healthcare, public administration and rural development despite shortage of staff in these departments.
He said filling these vacancies would strengthen public service delivery while also providing employment opportunities to qualified youth.
Calling for a long-term strategy, Bhalla demanded a comprehensive employment policy tailored to the needs of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.
According to him, such a policy should focus on accelerating recruitment to vacant government posts, promoting industrial investment, encouraging entrepreneurship and start-ups, enhancing skill development programmes and creating opportunities in sectors such as information technology, tourism, agriculture and allied industries.
“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir do not seek charity; they seek opportunities. The government must create an environment where educated young people can secure dignified employment and contribute to the economic growth of the region,” he said.
Bhalla also urged the administration to engage with stakeholders, youth organisations and experts while framing employment-related initiatives.
“The future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on its youth. Any policy that limits employment opportunities will only widen the gap between aspirations and opportunities,” he added.
