The proliferation of short-term, insecure job contracts is undermining the financial security and hopes for a stable future of young people in Jammu & Kashmir, leading to a sense of disillusionment and hopelessness among the youth.

The youth of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) have long faced a myriad of challenges, from political instability to economic uncertainty. However, one of the less discussed yet profoundly damaging trends has been the rise of contractualism in the region. This system, characterized by short-term, insecure job contracts instead of permanent employment, has not only undermined the financial security of young people but also diminished their hopes for a stable and prosperous future.

The Rise of Contractualism in J&K

Over the past two decades, the government and private sectors in J&K have increasingly adopted contractualism as a dominant employment model. Due to budget constraints, administrative challenges, and broader political instability, offering permanent positions to the youth has become rare. Instead, young workers are often hired on short-term contracts, which do not come with the job security, benefits, or career growth prospects typically associated with regular employment.

This contractual system has had significant consequences for the youth. With job tenures often lasting for just a few months or years, many young professionals find themselves in a cycle of perpetual uncertainty. They are unable to plan for their futures, invest in long-term goals like buying a house, or even feel secure in their current employment.

Impact on Financial and Emotional Stability

The absence of stable, permanent jobs has made it difficult for the youth in J&K to achieve financial independence. Wages offered under contractual agreements are often lower, with fewer benefits such as health insurance, pensions, or paid leave. For a young person starting their career, this lack of financial security can be demoralizing. It limits their ability to build a stable life, especially in a region already grappling with a fragile economy.

Emotionally, contractualism has taken a toll on J&K’s youth as well. The constant worry about the expiration of contracts, combined with the difficulty in securing the next opportunity, has led to increased stress and anxiety. This uncertainty often discourages young people from pursuing their dreams and limits their ability to plan for a stable future.

Limited Opportunities and Brain Drain

Due to the lack of long-term employment prospects, many of J&K’s brightest and most talented youth are choosing to migrate to other states or countries in search of better opportunities. This brain drain has left the region with a dearth of skilled professionals, which further hampers economic growth and development.

Young people who remain in J&K face a restricted job market dominated by precarious employment. This, in turn, stifles innovation, discourages entrepreneurship, and keeps the local economy dependent on external support rather than fostering self-reliance.

Social and Political Ramifications

Contractualism has also exacerbated social discontent in J&K. The frustration of young people, particularly those with advanced degrees and skills, has made them feel disillusioned with both the local and central governments. Many feel that they are not being given the opportunities they deserve, especially in a region where the youth population is one of the highest in the country.

Politically, this sense of betrayal has fueled feelings of alienation. With fewer economic opportunities, the younger generation is more susceptible to being influenced by radical ideologies or engaging in unrest, further destabilizing the region. A sense of hopelessness often pervades the discourse among the youth, who feel that the system has failed them.

To address the detrimental effects of contractualism on J&K’s youth, structural reforms are essential. The government must prioritize creating long-term employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Investments in education and skill development programs tailored to the region’s specific needs, such as tourism, technology, and agriculture, could help bridge the gap between youth aspirations and market demands.

Additionally, policymakers need to consider revising labour laws to ensure that contractual workers receive fair wages and benefits that are in line with permanent employees. This would help mitigate some of the financial insecurities faced by young professionals.

The future of Jammu & Kashmir’s youth cannot be built on the shaky foundations of contractualism. While short-term contracts may offer temporary solutions to unemployment, they are not a sustainable model for long-term economic growth or social stability. For J&K to prosper, its youth need to be given secure, stable jobs that allow them to build their futures and contribute meaningfully to the region’s development. Without addressing the root causes of contractualism, the future of J&K’s youth remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.

Dr Feroz Ahmad Dar