Srinagar, Jan 04 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prioritize employment opportunities for locals in Jammu and Kashmir’s railway sector as he prepares to inaugurate a new rail division and railway link in the region next week.
In a statement issued to the news agency—, PDP Vice President Sartaj Madni pointed to the alarming unemployment statistics in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the region has the highest youth unemployment rate in India at 32 percent. “Female joblessness stands at an even more staggering 53.6 percent, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.”
He said that while the Prime Minister from the ramparts of the Red Fort has announced the crucial Diil aur Dilli ki duuri statement, he is duty bound to fulfill his pledges and the least he can do is to allocate a separate quota for Kashmiri youth in railways.
The PDP Vice President urged the Prime Minister to actively allocate jobs in the railways to local youth, particularly in areas with limited employment opportunities and that the Prime Minister’s scheduled inauguration of the Jammu rail junction should come with the announcement of allocating jobs for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Madni emphasized that Grade III and Grade IV vacancies should be reserved for locals. “The Centre must hold special recruitment drives for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in the railways,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of local participation, Madni added that contractual positions should also be offered to residents to ensure the department’s efficient functioning. “This way, unemployed local youth can secure jobs, and the railways will benefit from employees who have a better understanding of the region,” he said.
The PDP Vice President pointed to the alarming unemployment statistics in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the region has the highest youth unemployment rate in India at 32 per cent. Female joblessness stands at an even more staggering 53.6 percent, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
“Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as the epicenter of youth unemployment in India,” Madni stated. “Given such circumstances, it is imperative for the railways to lead the way in providing relief to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, enabling them to live dignified lives.”
