Employment Opportunities

Shakeel-ur-Rehman provides a timely primer on standing up on one's own two feet

(Syed Shakeel-ul-Rehman, 32, was born in Qazipora, Tangmarg. He did his schooling at the Government Middle School in Katipora and at the Government Higher Secondary School in Chandilora, both in the Tangmarg Tehsil. He graduated in Social Work from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), being the first Kashmiri student to graduate with that major. He subsequently did his post graduate diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from the same University. He has taken specialized courses in computer hardware and software technology. He worked as a columnist and correspondent for the Greater Kashmir daily newspaper until 2005 and is currently the Opinion Editor of the Kashmir Images daily newspaper. He also anchors Doordharshan Kendra Srinagar's live phone-in show called, "Hello DD" since April 2005. Mr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman holds the distinction of having interviewed prominent personalities in all major fields and walks of life, probably more than any other Kashmiri journalist.)

Job Hunting

The state government is planning to revive the idea of starting an Overseas Employment Corporation. This will be welcomed by all.

As a matter of fact the problem of unemployment has aggravated over the years. A Planning Commission analysis says that by the end of 2010 nearly 60 per cent of the jobless will come from the educated class. This is a telling comment on our educational system which still follows Lord Macaulay’s pattern intended to produce clerks.

So far the majority of the idle workforce has been uneducated or semi literate that is mainly absorbed in agriculture. But this is going to change as more and more educated people are joining the ranks of the jobless. And unless the government changes its employment strategy, the educated jobless would be the single largest casually of the new millennium.

Along with myriad other factors, the chief reason why we have plenty of jobless roaming across the state is the obsoleteness of our educational system. Today’s educational system has lost its relevance because it fails to conform to the requirements in the present scenario. In order to make our youth really employable we should impart them practical and job market relevant skills. Through practical training, the youth would gain an in depth knowledge which would give them confidence they need in the job market.

The youth today is a class of its own. They wish to acquire name, fame and affluence without putting in the required efforts. When they find it difficult to secure a job of the desired level they take up any job that is offered. Nepotism and bribery favour the less competent and undeserving job seekers, overclouding the talent completely. Another tragedy is that the youth today feel hesitant to start small businesses of their own. There may be monetary constraints but banks come to the rescue of such people. Training is also provided to the budding entrepreneurs to help them successfully start their own business.

One’s own business could range from a grocery shop to a gift shop, a coaching class, a computer institute or a PCO booth. Success in the venture depends upon the capability of the candidate and his determination and grit. By self employment we can reduce unemployment that is prevailing in the state to a considerable extent. On their part schools should set up counseling centres and guide the students. Professional knowledge could be imparted in schools by calling some well known experts to demonstrate their expertise.

Job creating strategies for the educated jobless should focus on offering employment opportunities in the service sector. Tourism, media and telecom are the areas that should be targeted. FM radio stations and regional television centres would absorb many educated jobless youth. The government should concentrate on developing these sectors. Those in power should realize that the future of the state lies in the hands of the youth. Their betterment will be tantamount to the betterment of the state. By helping youth we will let the state into a prosperous era.