The Jammu and Kashmir government has revealed that over 3.61 lakh educated unemployed youth are registered across the Union Territory as of September 2025, highlighting the continuing challenge of joblessness in the region.
According to official data presented before the House, 2.08 lakh registrations are from Kashmir Division, while 1.52 lakh are from Jammu Division. The figures show that 2,33,845 are male and 1,27,301 are female.
District-wise, Anantnag recorded the highest number of unemployed youth with 32,298 registrations, followed by Pulwama (28,671), Kathua (26,798), Srinagar (23,826), and Kulgam (21,446). The lowest numbers were reported from Kishtwar (8,870) and Reasi (12,376).
The government said that the Employment Department, under Mission Youth / Mission YUVA, aims to create 4.25 lakh job opportunities by establishing 1.37 lakh entrepreneurship units across Jammu and Kashmir. The focus, officials said, is on self-employment, startups, and skill development to empower educated youth.
Authorities added that district-level employment and counselling centres are also conducting Career Melas and Rozgar Melas to encourage youth participation, promote innovation, and raise awareness about livelihood opportunities in the Union Territory.
