By: Ikkz Ikbal
The unemployment is at its peak and the dream of securing a stable government job no longer guarantees a comfortable future, especially in this part of the world. A recent survey suggests that there are over 3.70 lakh unemployed youth Registered in J&K. And for today’s youth, the path of getting a government job seems increasingly out of reach, and with it, the stability once taken for granted.
From the standpoint of Kashmir and its youth generation, competition is fierce, job opportunities are scarce, and many young people are left with limited choices. Too often, this pressure leads to frustration and hopelessness. It’s time we face the reality: we need to evolve our mindset and start supporting young people in exploring new paths—whether through entrepreneurship, skill-building, or self-employment. The future depends on how we respond to this growing crisis today.
A few decades ago, government jobs were abundant, and getting one almost guaranteed a secure and comfortable life. A single government employee could support an entire family, plan a home, and retire peacefully with a pension. Life followed a predictable and stable course, where financial struggles were minimal compared to today.
However, times have changed drastically. Government jobs are becoming highly scarce, with competition at an all-time high. Every year, thousands of young people apply for very limited vacancies, leaving the vast majority disappointed. Meanwhile, the private sector in Kashmir remains underdeveloped, providing neither stability nor profitable prospects. Today’s kids, unlike their parents and elders, are expected to attain financial success without any guaranteed stability or family wealth.
The expectations placed on young people today are often unrealistic. They are supposed to earn well, build their own homes, get married, and support their families—all while dealing with a job market that offers little stability. While their elders enjoyed lifelong pensions and steady salaries, young people today are often stuck in temporary, low-paying jobs with no long-term security.
Many are also burdened by student loans or financial responsibilities at home. In cases where parents have invested all their savings into their child’s education, the pressure to succeed becomes unbearable. When the reality of unemployment or underemployment hits, frustration sets in. Some fight harder, while others lose hope. In extreme cases, some even take their own lives, feeling trapped in a system that offers them no way out.
Yet, despite this crisis, society often fails to acknowledge the struggles of this generation. Instead of offering support and understanding, many elders criticize young people for being “lazy” or “too ambitious.” But is it fair to blame ambition when survival itself demands it?
One of the biggest problems in our society is misplaced financial priorities. Kashmiri families spend enormous sums on constructing huge houses, throwing extravagant weddings, and maintaining lavish lifestyles. While these traditions are deeply rooted in our culture, they have contributed to an environment where wealth is used to show off rather than to create opportunities.
If this mindset were to change—if more families prioritize income-generating investments over unnecessary expenses—things could improve significantly. Imagine if instead of spending millions on a single wedding, families invested in their children’s businesses, skill development, or career growth.
Communities, too, can play a major role. Local leaders and entrepreneurs must step up to create more job opportunities and support young people in exploring self-employment. The idea that “only a government job is respectable” needs to change. Private businesses, startups, and skilled trades should be encouraged and supported.
One of the biggest barriers to progress is the stigma attached to private jobs and self-employment. Many families still believe that success only comes with a government job. As a result, thousands of young people waste their prime years preparing for exams that offer no guarantee of employment.
Meanwhile, countless opportunities exist in fields like IT, e-commerce, tourism, and agribusiness. However, due to societal pressure, many young people hesitate to take these paths. Those who often face resistance from their own families.
This mindset needs to change. Parents, educators, and community leaders must recognize that in today’s world, financial success is no longer tied to government employment. In fact, s uhome of the most successful individuals in the world today are entrepreneurs who took risks and built their own careers.
The senior generation, especially those who enjoyed the benefits of a secure government job era, must show empathy toward the struggles of today’s youth. Instead of comparing their times with the present, they should acknowledge that the world has changed.
Elders must also understand that mental health is a real issue. When young people express stress, anxiety, or frustration, their concerns should be taken seriously, not dismissed as “weakness.” Emotional support from family and society can make a huge difference in a young person’s ability to cope with challenges.
Instead of pressuring them into following outdated career paths, families should offer guidance and encouragement. Let young people explore different career options. Let them experiment, fail, learn, and grow.
While the situation may seem bleak, change is possible. Instead of expecting government jobs, families should support young people in starting businesses, whether small or large. More investments should be made in industries like tourism, technology, and manufacturing to create local jobs. Schools, universities, and media should promote diverse career paths beyond just government employment. Parents should teach their children about financial independence and smart investment rather than just focusing on securing jobs. Recognizing and addressing mental health issues among young people is also crucial. Know that they are in a state of crisis. Address it immediately.
Kashmir’s youth are not lazy, ungrateful, or unmotivated. They are simply facing challenges that previous generations never had to. If we, as a society, shift our focus from showmanship to sustainable growth, we can create an environment where young people feel supported rather than burdened.
It is not just their fight. It is our fight. Think responsibly and act immediately. Because if we fail our youth today, we fail our future tomorrow.
The writer has a PG in Biotechnology and is Principal Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad. He X’s @IkkzIkbal
