Early Times Report
Jammu, June 1: The President of the Kashmiri Displaced People Wing, J&K DPAP, Shri Sanjay Dhar, along with other party leaders, addressed the problems faced by displaced youths in a meeting. They presented the following demands to the Government of J&K UT and the Government of India:
Lack of Employment Opportunities: Displaced Kashmiri youth have been neglected in terms of employment opportunities for the past 33 years. During the 1990s, vacant positions left by displaced employees were filled without considering reservation for the displaced youth.
The salaries of displaced employees were funded through relief and security measures, rather than from the state/UT exchequer.
Increasing Unemployment: With time, unemployment among the displaced youth has grown as no significant employment avenues were created for them, except for the delayed PM Package, which had its limitations in terms of coverage and funding.
Frustration and Depression: Many qualified youth from the displaced community have been unable to secure jobs, leading to frustration, unforeseen health issues, and a significant increase in unemployment. Even those who couldn’t pursue higher studies due to financial constraints faced depression.
Lack of Practical Steps: Despite assurances from the government, no practical measures were taken to address the rising unemployment among the displaced Kashmiri youth.
The meeting appealed to the Government of India and the UT Government to develop a comprehensive plan for the appointment of over-aged qualified youth from the community, alongside low-qualified youth, through open recruitment in the Police Department. They also urged for special relaxation of norms for the displaced youth.
The leaders emphasized the need for stipends to support the livelihood of unemployed youth until they are absorbed in jobs, in order to reduce the rates of depression, frustration, and drug addiction.
Additionally, they called for special subsidized loan facilities to help the displaced youth establish their own businesses and create earning opportunities in commercial trades.
The meeting appealed to the Government of India to consider treating the displaced youth as employees of the UT Government and ensure that their salaries are disbursed from the UT exchequer, as they provide services to the people of the valley. This would eliminate confusion regarding the guarantee of their services.
Lastly, the leaders urged the government to consider the absorption of unemployed youth from the displaced community into suitable job positions. |
