Implementation of Job Plan for Youth in Kashmir

In his address to the Parliament on the motion of thanks for presidential address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that to stop Kashmiri youth from straying or being misguided by wrong elements, between 50,000 and 100,000 job opportunities would be created.

A plan to this effect is being formulate, which would be made public soon. He regretted the incidents in the state last summer and said that the federal government had been extending full cooperation to the state government in normalizing the situation. The prime minister said that the federal government would not allow separatists to gain control of the situation. He said: 'We would not to do anything that encouraged separatist forces.'

Unemployment Issue
The prime minister's statement is significant and needs to be pondered over. There can be no two opinions as far as the problem of unemployment is concerned. There is no doubt that unemployment is having a negative impact on the youth. This is driving the youth to crime and narcotics. The interlocutors appointed by the federal government have been saying that they would convey to the federal government those problems of Kashmiris also, which are not political.

The state government fears that the situation of 2010 agitation could repeat in the coming summer. By giving such statements, fear psychosis is being created in people's minds. The prime minister has said that separatist forces would not be allowed to have control over the situation. Such statements should be avoided, which add to bitterness. The announcement to create 100,000 jobs should be immediately put into practice. No one can imagine the gravity of unemployment problem.

Employment Scheme
In 2010, the chief minister announced the Sher-e-Kashmir Employment Scheme but it remained a mere announcement. The youth and their parents were disillusioned. It was said that the announcement was a joke with the youth. However, the announcement made by the prime minister had kindled a ray of hope.

The state government should see to it that the announcement is put to practice. Kashmir is the most affected region in the entire state. Therefore, it should get the biggest share in the employment package, so that the youth can take care of their families and unemployment is removed.