The recent mega job fair in Srinagar, which saw nearly 900 young men and women either secure employment or reach the final stages of recruitment, is a welcome step in the right direction. Yet, it also serves as a reminder that such efforts must become the norm rather than the exception. Government jobs alone cannot solve the unemployment crisis. While the government must continue to create opportunities, the solution lies in a broader approach—one that includes private sector recruitment, entrepreneurship, skill development, and meaningful industry partnerships. The encouraging outcome of this job fair—with over 50 reputed employers participating, including companies with operations in the Gulf and Middle East—demonstrates the immense potential of structured campus recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir. Nearly 5,300 registered candidates, 470 job offers, and another 430 candidates in the final stages of recruitment are an impressive success rate for an initiative still in its early stages. But this should not be a one-off event. Universities and colleges must institutionalise campus recruitment, ensuring that students get employment opportunities before they complete their studies. The responsibility of higher educational institutions extends beyond awarding degrees; they must actively support students in transitioning from education to employment. Equally important is the promotion of entrepreneurship alongside employment. Strengthening the startup ecosystem, connecting young entrepreneurs with venture capital, and providing handholding support are essential steps toward creating a self-sustaining economy where youth are not just job seekers but job creators. The government cannot simply tell young people to look elsewhere for opportunities. It must create those opportunities through private sector engagement, skill development, and industry partnerships. The youth of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense talent; what they require is greater exposure and wider opportunities. This job fair has shown what is possible when institutions, industry, and government work together. The challenge now is to build on this momentum and ensure that every young person in Jammu and Kashmir has access to opportunities comparable to those available elsewhere in the country and abroad.
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