Opinion | Skilled Youth, Stronger J&K: A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Youth form the backbone of any nation’s future, and their empowerment is crucial for inclusive growth and development. In the context of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a region that has historically grappled with political instability and economic stagnation, the need for empowering its youth has never been more urgent. One of the most effective and transformative tools to achieve this empowerment is Skill development . It not only enhances employability but also instills confidence, self-reliance, and dignity among young people.

The Union Territory of J&K is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a huge talent pool of young, dynamic youth. Yet, most of these youths have limited job opportunities, a gap between education and the market, and no access to modern training facilities. Jammu & Kashmir boasts one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, especially among educated youth. As per reports, numerous young graduates are unemployed because of the lack of appropriate employment opportunities and industry-specific skills. The over-reliance of the region on government jobs has also worsened the situation, and thus diversification of employment opportunities is the need of the hour. Further, even as traditional learning still overwhelms the curriculum at schools and colleges, it still does not adequately prepare students for practical skills demanded in today’s competitive work market. Such a gap between formal learning and job-ready skills generates a vast disconnect, which makes young people disillusioned and inadequately prepared. Rural-urban division puts an added level of complication to it. Young people from rural parts of the Kashmir Valley, Chenab Valley, and Pir Panjal rarely have easy access to vocational training facilities and digital education materials. Girls especially suffer from social inhibitions that bar them from engaging in skill schemes. Tackling all this through an effective skill development platform is not only a must—but an absolute requirement.

Government Initiatives and Policies

Recognizing the urgent need for youth empowerment, both the central and UT governments have launched various initiatives aimed at skill development in J&K:

Skill India Mission: A national campaign that aims to train over 40 crore people in India in different skills by 2025. J&K is an active participant in this mission, with several training partners operating in the UT.

PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana): This flagship scheme provides short-term training in industry-relevant skills, with certification and job placement support. In J&K, hundreds of youth have already benefited from PMKVY courses in hospitality, retail, IT, and healthcare.

Himayat: A special initiative under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), Himayat is tailored specifically for J&K youth. It targets school and college dropouts and provides them skill training along with placement opportunities across India.

UDAAN: Although now phased out, Udaan was a major initiative by the Government of India to bridge the gap between J&K youth and corporate India by offering skill training, internships, and job placements in reputed private companies.

JKSDM (Jammu & Kashmir Skill Development Mission): This UT-specific mission coordinates all skill development efforts and aims to provide high-quality training to youth in various trades.

ITI & Polytechnic Colleges: Industrial Training Institutes and Polytechnic Colleges across J&K have played a crucial role in vocational education. Many of them now offer courses in modern skills like computer hardware, mobile repairing, fashion design, and electronics.

Sector-Wise Opportunities for Skill Development

Jammu & Kashmir has immense potential in various sectors that can be harnessed through skill training:

Tourism & Hospitality: Given the region’s scenic beauty, the tourism sector can be a major employer. Training in hotel management, culinary arts, tourist guiding, and eco-tourism can create ample opportunities for youth.

Handicrafts & Handlooms: J&K’s traditional crafts like papier-mâché, shawl weaving, carpet making, and wood carving are world-renowned. Skill enhancement and marketing support can revive these crafts and provide sustainable income to artisans.

Information Technology & Digital Skills: Skills like coding, graphic design, content creation, and digital marketing can open up remote and freelancing job opportunities.

Agriculture & Horticulture: Youth in rural areas can be trained in organic farming, food processing, packaging, and value addition to local produce like apples, saffron, walnuts, and apricots.

Entrepreneurship Development: With the right training in business management, finance, and digital tools, young people can become job creators rather than job seekers. The availability of government schemes like Mudra loans and Startup India can further aid this transformation.

Apart from government policies, civil society groups and NGOs have also spearheaded skill-building in J&K. Civil society groups have been organizing grassroot training programmes, awareness workshops, and even micro-financing for entrepreneurship. A number of local youth associations, educational trusts, and religious organizations have emerged as front runners in promoting computer literacy, tailoring, and vocational training for the underprivileged sections. Their adaptive, community-oriented strategy tends to reach those who are left behind by formal institutions. Schools, too, are integrating skill-based education in collaboration with industry professionals. Internship programs, job fairs, and entrepreneurship workshops are becoming the norm across schools and colleges.

While attempts are laudable, there still are challenges. The key challenges are Lack of Infrastructure ,Poor connectivity of internet in rural areas restricts access to online skill courses, Gender Disparity because of which girls tend to be curtailed in mobility and enrollment due to societal norms. The Skilled youth Migration outside J&K for better opportunities results in brain drain. Addressing these challenges requires sustained policy support, increased public-private partnerships, and continuous monitoring.

Skill development is not just about trade— it’s about confidence-building, purpose-finding, and unlocking potential. In a state like Jammu & Kashmir, where the youth are full of energy and aspirations but short on direction, skill development can be the key to lasting peace, prosperity, and progress. By investing in skill development now, we are laying the foundations of a self-reliant, empowered, and resilient Jammu & Kashmir in the future.

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