‘We need jobs, not promises’: J&K youth seek employment guarantees

Demand ECI intervention to hold govts accountable for job promises

JAMMU: The youth of Jammu and Kashmir have introduced a unique perspective on the upcoming assembly elections, placing job security at the forefront of their demands.
In the JKUT where elections are taking place after a decade, many young voters, especially those from constituencies like Jammu East, are now more concerned about employment than ever before. They seek a ‘foolproof’ assurance from the political parties and candidates that job creation and security will be prioritized once the government is formed.
A cross-section of youth in the Jammu East constituency voiced their concerns, emphasizing the disconnect between the promises made in election manifestos and the actual delivery once a party is in power.
Vinayak Mahajan, a BSc graduate from Jammu East, expressed the frustration felt by many, saying, “We are voting for the candidate, party, and government only in the hope of getting jobs once the government is formed. All parties promise jobs in their manifestos, but once in power, they forget these commitments.”
This sentiment is widespread, particularly among unemployed youth with degrees and diplomas who feel they have been sidelined by successive governments.
Despite having the qualifications, they remain without jobs, which have led to growing disillusionment with the political process. Adding to this, many young people have now crossed the age limit for government jobs due to the long gap between elections, further amplifying their frustrations.
While political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have focused on development in their campaigns, the primary issue for the youth remains employment.
They are not just asking for jobs but are demanding that their constitutional rights as voters be protected, with a specific emphasis on employment. The youth are calling for accountability from the government, arguing that their votes should come with guarantees that the government will honor its promises.
One of the key demands is for the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take a more active role in ensuring that elected governments adhere to their manifestos.
Youth like Siddharth Raina, an engineering graduate, suggest that the ECI should have the authority to dismiss a government if it fails to fulfill its commitments, especially regarding job creation.
Raina adds, “There should be a provision allowing youth to voice their grievances directly to the ECI, particularly on employment-related issues. This would put pressure on the government to stay true to its promises and be held accountable for its actions,”.
After the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, which were expected to lead to more opportunities for employment, many young people had high hopes. However, those expectations have not been fully realized, primarily because industrial growth in Jammu and Kashmir has not kept pace with the demand for jobs.
As a result, the issue of unemployment continues to loom large, with youth unemployment in the region currently standing at 13.7%, significantly higher than the national average of 10.6% for the 15-29 age group.
In the upcoming assembly elections, young voters will play a decisive role. With 25.24 lakh youth voters across 90 seats in the union territory, and 3.71 lakh of them voting for the first time, the youth are expected to be a determining factor in the election results.
Their votes are likely to influence the outcome, especially as employment remains their primary concern.
Despite the government's efforts to reduce unemployment, the results have been disappointing. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir, therefore, want to see tangible results from the government they elect.
They are no longer satisfied with empty promises—they want accountability, transparency, and, most importantly, jobs. For them, the upcoming elections are not just about choosing a party or a candidate; it is about securing a future where their right to work is guaranteed and their voices are heard.