Srinagar July 07 (KNS):  CPI( M) leader Mohamamd Yousuf Tarigami has expressed deep concern over the soaring unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir.

The unemployment graph in Jammu and Kashmir has shot up considerably over the past several years laying bare the tall claims of  the government about providing job opportunities to the unemployed youth in the region. The available  statistical data seriously contradicts such claims. In the month of March 2022,  the centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, which puts out monthly data,  pegged the unemployment rate in the region at 25 percent--the second highest in the country. Similarly the unemployment rate shown by the agency for the month of June is 17. 2 percent. 

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing quantum leap in unemployment since the Central dispensation put paid to the special constitutional position of the region, which brought the entire economic activities to a shuddering halt. 

The BJP government had blamed article 370 and 35 A for stymieing  the progress in Jammu an Kashmir. 

There are other indices of proof that are in deep contrast to the assertions made by the government. For example, the data published by the ministry of statistics and information in March showed 46.3 percent  unemployment rate among the age group of 15-29 for April to June 2021.  

The facts and figures clearly reflect that the unemployment has reached to the levels never seen before. The  government's false narrative of investment and opening up new job opportunities stand exposed. 

The gruelling wait for the jobs has begun gnawing at the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The joblessness , high inflation  and family responsibilities are putting squeeze on these unemployed  youth, forcing them to take extreme steps in some cases. 

Despite a sharp rise  in unemployment, it is rather unfortunate that the government is pulling out all the stops in boasting about the huge investments in the region. 

Instead of creating employment opportunities, the government has eased out many employees of their jobs. 

While the contractual employees are facing the threat of  termination , the services of down and out daily wagers are not being regularised even after decades. Their paltry salaries are not released on time.

CPI( M) appeals to the unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir to shun their illusion  vis-vis the current dispensation's hallow promises and struggle for their rights.

CPI(M) exhorts upon the government to provide  the unemployed youth with job opportunities without any delay.(KNS)