Unemployment rate showing gradual decline : Govt reveals in response to Farooq Shah’s question in Assembly
Comes up with Optimistic Employment Data and Reform Plans
Jammu, March 24:
Amid serious concerns over Unemployment in J&K,the government on monday showed optimism in its efforts to deal with the challenge and said, the Unemployment rate was on gradual decline. Responding to a series or Starred questions of MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah regarding the alarming rate of unemployment in Jammu & Kashmir, the government came up with both the challenges and the proactive measures taken to improve the employment landscape in the region.
Shah’s question focused on whether unemployment in the Union Territory was at an alarming rate, seeking clarity on the government’s plans to address it. The government’s response, presented by the concerned minister, provided comprehensive data from the **Economic Survey of Jammu & Kashmir 2025**, revealing a gradual but steady decline in the unemployment rate over recent years.
The government’s report outlined that the unemployment rate for people aged 15 years and above in Jammu & Kashmir has seen a decline from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 6.1% in 2023-24. The response also highlighted that this decrease in unemployment rate comes amid rising economic activities and increased employment opportunities.
Further bolstering these findings, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) has risen to 64.3% in 2023-24, a significant improvement, while the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) has increased to 60.4%. These metrics indicate greater workforce engagement.
In response to MLA Shah’s query about how the government is addressing the high unemployment rate, the government outlined its focused recruitment efforts. Tye govt in its reply revealed that over the past two years, a total of **13,466 non-gazetted vacancies** have been referred to the **Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB)**, resulting in **9,351 selections**. Additionally, **2,390 gazetted vacancies** were sent to the **Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC)**, with **2,175 selections** made during the same period.
A significant focus has also been placed on filling **Class-IV (MTS)** vacancies, with **10,757 positions** identified across various departments. These vacancies are under review for further scrutiny, indicating a continued effort to address employment gaps in lower-level administrative positions. These measures highlight the government’s commitment to filling positions and improving employment rates, particularly in the public sector.
On Department-Wise Vacancy Breakdown, the govt said that, Of the vacancies available across Jammu & Kashmir as of January 31, 2025. The breakdown listed numerous vacancies across key sectors, including Agriculture Production were 47 gazetted, 848 non-gazetted, and 445 MTS positions.Health and Medical Education 1,584 gazetted,4,603non-gazetted, and 1,664 MTS vacancies.
Horticulture 64 gazetted, 317 non-gazetted, and 434 MTS positions. Education 150 gazetted, 163 non-gazetted, and 174 MTS vacancies Public Works (R&B) 0 gazetted, 1,099 non-gazetted, and 2,660 MTS positions.
The *total vacancies* across all categories (gazetted, non-gazetted, and MTS) amounted to 32,474 positions, showcasing a substantial need for recruitment across multiple sectors.
In its response, the government also highlighted significant *recruitment reforms* that have been implemented to streamline and enhance the hiring process including Abolition of Interviews for Certain Posts, improve transparency and fairness, interviews have been abolished for positions up to *Pay Level 5*, with this policy extended to **Pay Level 6** from 2025 onwards. This step aims to reduce subjective biases and increase efficiency in the recruitment process.
JKSSB and JKPSC have revised their regulations to ensure greater transparency in the recruitment process. The introduction of the *Computer-Based Test (CBT)* mode for exams and the consolidation of multiple exams for similar posts are among the key changes aimed at making recruitment processes more efficient.
The government has set ambitious targets for recruitment, including the completion of **1,502 gazetted** and **5,751 non-gazetted** recruitments by the end of the year. This underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the unemployment issue head-on and ensuring a steady flow of job opportunities.
The government also provided insights into its ongoing efforts to update and streamline **Recruitment Rules** for various departments. Since the reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir, the **Standing Committee** has cleared several updated rules for recruitment across departments such as **Agriculture**, **Health**, **Transport**, and **Youth Services**. The revised rules reflect changes in qualifications, eligibility conditions, and the evolving needs of the region post-reorganization.
Furthermore, the government acknowledged that some posts had to be **withdrawn** due to changes in qualifications and the abolition of the J&K Permanent Resident Certificate Act. These adjustments were necessary to align with the new domicile rules and reservation policies following the reorganization .
