Ram Rattan Sharma internetzonejammu@gmail.com
The economy of Jammu and Kashmir has undergone notable transformation in recent years, driven by policy reforms, infrastructural development and growing private sector participation .While the region continues to face challenges of unemployment and uneven development, new economic opportunities across tourism, agriculture, entrepreneurship and industry are reshaping its future.
Tourism regaining its vital role:-Tourism has long been the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy providing direct and indirect employment to lakhs of people. The union territory has witnessed a remarkable revival, with record numbers of domestic and international tourists visiting destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Vaishno Devi and the Dal Lake.
Government Initiatives like home stay promotion,eco-tourism projects and improved road and air connectivity have opened employment avenues in hospitality ,transport, handicrafts and local services, winter sports, adventure tourism and film production are further boosting income opportunities for youth.
Agriculture, Horticulture and allied sectors:-Agriculture remains the principal livelihood for large section of the population, especially in rural Kashmir and the hilly districts of Jammu.Hortiuculture particularly apple, walnut, saffron, almond and cherry cultivation has become an economic strength of the region. The introduction of high density apple plantations, cold storage chains and crop insurance schemes have increased farmer incomes. Sheep rearing mushroom farming, floriculture and fisheries are creating additional employment. However fragmented land holdings and inadequate market access remain concerns.
Industrial Growth and Investment:-Post-2019 the government has pushed industrial development more aggressively .The New Industrial Policy incentives for MSMEs, land banks, and single window clearance systems have attracted investment proposals in food processing,healthcare,handicrafts,textiles and renewable energy. The development of industrial estates in Samba, Kathua, Pulwama and Budgam is expected to generate jobs, particularly for semi-skilled youth. The expansion of rail and road networks is also encouraging logistics and warehousing businesses.
Handicrafts and traditional Industries:-The handicraft sector-renowned for Pashmina Shawls,carpets,papier-machie,wood carving and embroidery continues to be a major source of livelihood.Govt.backed GI-tagging export facilitation and e-commerce platforms have helped artisans access wider markets. Skill development programmers and cooperative models are being promoted, although completion through machine made products affect traditional craftsmen.
Education and Skill Development:-Jammu and Kashmir has relatively young population, but unemployment –especially among educated youth remains high. To address this, skill development initiatives under PMKVY, Himayat, UMEED and Mission Youth are focusing on entrepreneurship, vocational training and self-employment. Universities and polytechnics and introducing Job-Oriented courses in tourism, IT, health care and agro business. Self help groups and start-up incubation centers are also emerging as support systems for young entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure and connectivity;-Improved Connectivity has had a significant impact on the economy. The completion of major tunnels, highway upgrades and expansion of airports in Srinagar and Jammu has boosted mobility and trade. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link in nearing completion and expected to transformfrieght movement and tourism. Better digital connectivity has opened doors for IT-enabled services and online businesses.
Government Schemes and Public Sector Employment:-Govt. jobs have traditionally have been preferred in the region, and recruitment drives by various departments continue to absorb a section of the youth schemes like MGNREGA,PMAY,Jal Jeevan Mission and Infrastructure projects provide temporary and semi-skilled employment. However the demand for public sector jobs remains far higher than availability making private sector-growth essential.
Entrepreneurship and Start-ups:-A shift towards entrepreneurship is visible especially among educated youth. Start-ups in touris, handicrafts, e-commerce, food processing, IT services and agro based industries are being supported through subsides, soft loans and mentorship. Women’s entrepreneurship is also rising under self help group initiatives and livelihood missions.
Challenges Ahead
Despite progress, several challenges persist, which are: High youth unemployment and skill mismatch, Limited Private sector presence, Seasonal nature of tourism, inadequate market linkages for farmers, dependence on public Sector Jobs, Infrastructure gaps in remote districts. Addressing these issues requires continuous policy focus, investement in human capital and balanced regional development.
A promising Economic outlook:-Jammu and Kashmir stands at a crucial economic juncture. Tourism revival, Inustrial investment, agricural modernization and youth focused policies are generating hope. It supported by sustained peace, transparent, governance and inclusive growth strategies, the region has potential to emerge as a vibrant economic hub in North India.
(Author is Former Dy.Librarian University of Jammu)
The post Employment and Economy of Jammu and Kashmir: Emerging opportunities amid challenges appeared first on Daily Excelsior.