Malik Haider Ali
Across Jammu and Kashmir, thousands of young people wake up with degrees, ambition, and hope. Yet many end up frustrated, carrying the weight of family expectations and uncertainty about their future. An unemployed graduate is not just a number. It is often an entire family waiting for stability, dignity, and hope.The problem today is no longer just access to education. It is the growing gap between what our colleges teach and what the job market actually needs. Every year, our universities produce graduates in engineering, healthcare, arts, commerce, and sciences. But too many remain jobless or underemployed because theoretical knowledge alone is not enough anymore.The modern world demands practical skills, digital knowledge, clear communication, problem-solving ability, and real-world exposure. Creating enough government jobs for every graduate is simply not possible right now. What we can and must do is make our youth truly employable.This is a historic opportunity for the policymakers in Jammu and Kashmir, working with the Central Government. They can launch a practical, district-level skill development mission that change lives.
Practical Steps That Can Make A Difference: Set up government-supported skill centres in every district. These centres should go far beyond basic trades like plumbing or basic computer courses. They must focus on what today’s industries actually want.
- Engineering graduates need hands-on training in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, software development, and industrial automation.
- Civil engineers should learn tools like AutoCAD, STAAD Pro, Revit, and project management.
- Mechanical and electrical engineers should work with CAD/CAM, PLC systems, and renewable energy technologies.
- Nursing, paramedical, BAMS, and BUMS students should get supervised practical experience in hospitals and clinics. Even if it starts as learning opportunities rather than paid jobs, this exposure builds confidence and opens doors in private healthcare.
“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are looking to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo for meaningful skill reforms and employability initiatives. Moving beyond traditional degrees to build a system focused on competence and practical skills will empower young people to succeed, secure a real future, and actively contribute to a stronger Jammu and Kashmir.”
General graduates also deserve support. They can be trained in digital tools, accounting software, communication skills, e-governance systems, and office technologies to prepare them for real administrative and corporate roles.To make this effective, the government should partner with proven private training platforms such as Physics Wallah, Masai School, upGrad, and others. These partnerships can bring updated courses, good mentors, interview preparation, internships, and direct placement support — even to students in remote areas.We already have valuable resources within the system. Senior engineers, doctors, faculty members, and technical officers can regularly share their knowledge through short practical sessions. Our existing engineering colleges, medical colleges, polytechnics, ITIs, and degree colleges can become active skill hubs by using their current infrastructure and staff more smartly.Most important of all, these efforts must connect directly to jobs. The government should build strong links with private companies, hospitals, startups, and industries to create internships, apprenticeships, and actual placement pipelines.
A Message Of Hope : Jammu and Kashmir is full of talent and intelligence. Our youth do not want sympathy. They want direction, practical training, mentorship, and a fair chance to build dignified lives. The real strength of any society is not measured by how many degrees it awards, but by the genuine opportunities it creates for its young people. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are looking with hope towards the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Itoo. Meaningful skill reforms and employability initiatives can give them the confidence and competence they need to succeed in today’s world.The time has come to move beyond degrees alone. Let us build a system that prepares our young people not just to chase jobs, but to succeed and contribute with pride.This is not just about employment. It is about giving our youth a real future and building a stronger Jammu and Kashmir.
(The author is an Assistant Professor at CSE, Department, Akal University, Bhatinda, Punjab. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
