Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Falters In Basic Services

Opportunities For J&K Youth

Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced growth in sports infrastructure, athlete participation, and opportunities for the youth. Across the Union Territory, enhanced access to training facilities, coaching programmes, and competitive platforms has encouraged many young individuals, especially girls, to pursue sports both as a passion and a career path.

Taekwondo, in particular, has seen rising popularity, with academies throughout Kashmir attracting students interested in self-defence training and competitive success. At Srinagar’s Al-Jawad Sports Academy, young girls are receiving professional Taekwondo training with aspirations to represent Jammu and Kashmir and India in national and international competitions.

The region's cricket team claimed a historic Ranji Trophy success, signalling a transition from the conflicts of the past to sporting achievements.

Besides sports, the establishment of premier institutes such as IITs, AIIMS (Jammu and Awantipora), and new medical colleges has expanded access to higher education for the local youth and teenagers.

Bridging Employment Gap 

Schemes such as Mission Youth provide vocational training, financial assistance, and entrepreneurship opportunities to bridge the employment gap. The programmes emphasise digital literacy, soft skills, and industry-aligned training to help young graduates secure jobs. 

The PM Mission Youth initiative is a flagship programme of the Indian government for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative encompasses a wide range of interventions, including livelihood generation, skill development, education, psycho-social counseling, and recreational activities. By providing a structured framework for youth engagement, the programme aims to create a conducive environment for holistic development.

The Mission Youth’s Governing Body, presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, approved numerous schemes over the last few years. The Mission Youth also integrates psycho-social support services into its framework, addressing issues such as de-radicalisation, de-addiction, and reintegration programmes.

Further, investments and localised job fairs have enabled many young people, particularly women, to lead startups and explore year-round career opportunities. Around 1,500 DPIIT-recognised startups operate across the Union Territory. Startups have expanded significantly from just 69 ventures in 2021, supported by relative economic stability and targeted government policies. There is a Student Entrepreneur in Residence, which allows qualifying university students a one-year academic gap to pursue full-time business ventures. 

PoJK: In Doldrums

In PoJK, a series of protests has gripped the region, reflecting the state of the economy. In fact, the demonstrations are spearheaded by students and professionals under the banner of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JACC). 

The younger generation is at the forefront of widespread protests, facing extreme hardships and systemic suppression. Many of those who have been killed or seriously injured are young people, between about 15-16 years old and 32-35 years old.

JAAC has rightly claimed that the demonstrations are for their rights, with concerns spanning from electricity prices and education to healthcare. With limited education opportunities, there are fewer opportunities for the youth in PoJK. Startups, sports, and higher education facilities have been reduced to a pipedream for the youth in the region. 

During the 1990s, on behalf of the Pakistan Army, announcements were made from across the Line of Actual Control (LoC), promising a "bright future" in Pakistan. Subsequently, several young men from the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir crossed over to PoJK. But today, Jammu and Kashmir provides opportunities that the youth of the PoJK can only dream and aspire for: Islamabad would do little to improve the situation in PoJK.   

(The writer is a commentator on international affairs. Views expressed are personal.)