Jammu, Oct 10 (KNS): National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Saturday accused the BJP of failing to address unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir during the period from 2014 to 2024, saying the party owed answers to educated youth over recruitment delays and limited employment opportunities.

Addressing a meeting at Janipur Ward No. 37, near Gurdwara, in the Jammu North Assembly constituency, Sadhotra alleged that the BJP had failed to create meaningful employment opportunities despite repeated promises.

He said thousands of educated young people had spent years preparing for competitive examinations and acquiring professional qualifications but continued to face uncertainty over recruitment and employment prospects.

“Thousands of young men and women spent their most productive years preparing for competitive examinations, acquiring professional qualifications and waiting for recruitment opportunities. What did the BJP give them? Promises, delays, uncertainty and, in several instances, controversies surrounding recruitment,” he said.

Sadhotra alleged that successive BJP-backed political arrangements between 2014 and 2024 had failed to establish a credible employment system in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said unemployment was not merely an economic concern but also had wider social implications, particularly for young people facing prolonged uncertainty about their future.

Expressing concern over frustration among unemployed youth, the NC leader said prolonged joblessness and repeated recruitment delays could leave vulnerable young people exposed to substance abuse and other harmful influences.

“The most painful consequence of this neglect is the frustration and despair among our youth,” he said, adding that families were also bearing the consequences of uncertain employment prospects.

Sadhotra accused the BJP of prioritising political slogans over employment generation and said young people needed transparent recruitment, private-sector growth, skill development opportunities and an administration responsive to their aspirations.

He alleged that the BJP's claims about the benefits of a double-engine government had not translated into adequate employment opportunities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The NC leader said employment remained central to his party's development agenda and maintained that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was working towards addressing the concerns of unemployed youth.

He said the National Conference supported transparent and accountable recruitment processes, strengthening local industries and encouraging investment to enable young people to pursue careers within Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, several women joined the National Conference in the presence of party leaders and workers.

Welcoming them into the party, Sadhotra said their participation reflected growing support for the NC's policies and approach towards public welfare.

Ayesha Gupta, in-charge of the NC Women's Wing for Jammu North Assembly constituency, and Anju Mehra, co-in-charge, also addressed the gathering.

They raised concerns regarding sanitation, health, hygiene and the functioning of public services, stressing the need to improve basic civic amenities in densely populated localities.

Sadhotra assured the participants that the issues raised by residents would be taken up with the authorities concerned for appropriate action.

He said the National Conference would continue engaging with people at the grassroots level and highlighting their concerns before the relevant authorities.

The meeting was organised by Anju Mehra, Rita Gupta, Chand Gupta and Surekha Sharma.

Among those who addressed the gathering were Sandeep Singh Manhas, Vishwajeet Singh Sambyal, Veer Ji Bhat, Rajinder Singh, Priyanka Dogra, Poonam Sharma, Wahida Kousar, Shallu Sharma, Seema Bhat, Pushp Jandial, Amit Singh Jamwal, Sangram Singh Manhas, Kewal Sharma, Rajinder Banial, Sonu Pangotra, Sandya Chib, Mona Gupta, Rani Kumari, Yashpal Dogra, Chintamani Goswami, Ashwani Gupta and Priya Rani.

The allegations made by Sadhotra were not accompanied by recruitment figures in the statement, and the BJP's response was not available. (KNS)