Freezing vacant govt posts in name of austerity cruel joke on unemployed youth: Raman Bhalla

29/05/2026

Jammu, May 28: Former minister and JKPCC Working President Raman Bhalla on Wednesday criticised the government's reported decision to freeze vacant posts under austerity measures, describing it as a "cruel joke" on educated unemployed youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public gathering at Channi Himmat in Jammu, Bhalla said the move would worsen the unemployment crisis in the Union Territory and shatter the hopes of thousands of qualified youth aspiring for government jobs.
He urged the administration to immediately review and withdraw the decision, asserting that austerity measures should not come at the cost of employment generation. "The burden of austerity should not be placed on the shoulders of unemployed youth. If the government is serious about reducing expenditure, it should begin by curtailing unnecessary spending by the ruling elite and senior bureaucrats rather than blocking employment opportunities for deserving candidates," Bhalla said.
The Congress leader said unemployment among educated youth had emerged as one of the most serious socio-economic challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir.
He observed that unlike several other states where industries and private enterprises generate large-scale employment, Jammu and Kashmir has limited industrial infrastructure and government jobs continue to remain a major source of stable employment for educated youth.
"Any decision to freeze recruitment or keep posts vacant will only deepen frustration among job seekers," he said.
Bhalla warned that prolonged unemployment could have serious social and economic consequences and stressed that employment generation must remain a priority area of governance.
He said several government departments were already facing acute staff shortages, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare, public administration and rural development.
According to him, filling vacant posts would not only strengthen public service delivery but also provide much-needed employment opportunities to youth.
The former minister demanded formulation of a comprehensive employment policy for Jammu and Kashmir focused on accelerating recruitment, promoting industrial investment, encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting start-ups.
He also advocated expansion of skill development programmes and employment generation in emerging sectors such as information technology, tourism, agriculture and allied industries.
"The youth of Jammu and Kashmir do not seek charity; they seek opportunities. The government must create an environment where educated young people can secure dignified employment and contribute to economic growth," Bhalla said.
He further urged the administration to engage with stakeholders, youth organisations and experts while framing employment-related policies. "The future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on its youth. Any policy that limits employment opportunities will only widen the gap between aspirations and opportunities," he added.
Among others present on the occasion were Kamal Singh, Jatinder Chib, Latish Sharma, Sahil Mathi, Rohit Ji, Mohinder Singh, Raju Kumar and Deepak Sharma.

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