Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday said that the unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir has declined over the years, dropping from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 6.1% in 2023-24.
The figures were presented in the Legislative Assembly’s 2nd Session in response to a question raised by MLA Mubarak Gull regarding the employment situation in J&K. The government refuted claims of a drastic rise in unemployment, stating that the overall trend shows an improvement in job opportunities.
Reffering to the recent Economic Survey of J&K – 2025, minister incharge informed that the unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir has declined over the years, dropping from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 6.1% in 2023-24.
The unemployment rate stood at 5.9% in 2020-21, 5.2% in 2021-22, and 4.4% in 2022-23 before slightly increasing to 6.1% in 2023-24.
The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in J&K has risen to 64.3% in 2023-24, while the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) reached 60.4% in the same period, indicating enhanced employment opportunities. The government attributed this to targeted policies and economic initiatives aimed at boosting the labour market and sustaining economic growth.
To strengthen employment generation, the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) have made 11,526 selections in the last two years. In 2023, 1,141 recruitments were made through JKPSC and 3,695 through JKSSB, totaling 4,836 selections, while in 2024, JKPSC recruited 1,034 candidates and JKSSB 5,656, making a total of 6,690 selections.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to creating sustainable employment through policy interventions, skill development programs, and public sector recruitments to further reduce unemployment in the region. (JKNS)
