Jammu and Kashmir saw decrease in unemployment rate after 2019: Govt

Jammu, March 15: The government on Saturday informed the House that there has been an overall decrease in unemployment rates in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019.

Replying to a starred question from National Conference legislator Mubarak Gul, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, said that unemployment had declined from 6.7% in 2019-2020 to 6.1% in 2023-2024.

"The improvement is also reflected in the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Worker Population Ratio (WPR), which have risen to 64.3% and 64.4% respectively in 2023-2024, showcasing an enhancement in employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir," the Minister said.

He said that the steady decline in the unemployment rate, along with an increase in LFPR and WPR, reflects the success of targeted policies and initiatives aimed at boosting the labor market, sustaining economic growth, further reducing unemployment, and improving the overall quality of life of citizens.

The Minister further informed that 11,526 selections were made by JKPSC and JKSSB between 2023-2024.

Of these, 2,175 selections were made by JKPSC, while JKSSB recruited 9,351 candidates.

In response, Mubarak Gul said that the figures presented by the government were in sharp contrast to unemployment statistics from other surveys.

He further asked whether the government had any plans to conduct recruitment on a fast-track basis.

The Minister responded affirmatively, stating that the government would take necessary steps to expedite the recruitment process.