SRINAGAR: Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), criticised the central government for its failure to address rising unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the region has witnessed its highest unemployment levels in the past decade.
Addressing a joining programme at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, Gupta expressed disappointment over the lack of tangible outcomes from the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 85,000 crore signed during the tenure of the previous J&K government. He noted that despite these agreements, no major industries have been established, leaving youth grappling with a dearth of employment opportunities.
The senior JKNC leader also called for a review of industrial policies and incentives in J&K, emphasising that the Omar Abdullah-led government had consistently prioritised youth empowerment. Gupta urged newly joined party members to raise awareness about government schemes promoting entrepreneurship, adding that J&K’s youth are hardworking and capable but lack adequate support to realise their potential.
Gupta appealed to the party cadre to support Omar Abdullah’s vision for a prosperous and progressive J&K, stressing that the development of the youth is central to the region’s overall growth. “The National Conference will continue to advocate for policies focusing on skill development, job creation, and educational advancement to ensure no young individual is left behind,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, JKNC Provincial Secretary for Jammu, urged the new members to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence and engage directly with the public to address youth concerns.
The programme, organised by S. Tejinder Singh Aman, District President of Jammu Urban Youth National Conference (YNC), saw several youth leaders join the JKNC fold. Aman highlighted issues such as inadequate opportunities and the need for proactive solutions to tackle unemployment, lauding the party’s efforts to uplift the younger generation.
