Jammu and Kashmir, like other parts of the Country, is facing a number of issues-political, social etc. Out of these, some issues have been found to be of great importance to J&K by a team of young writers. They expect that these issues will attract attention of the concerned authorities in 2025.
Employment
Jammu and Kasmir’s economy is driven by subsistence agriculture with limited industrial development. This makes employment one of the most pressing issues in J&K. In the last few years, the youth have dealt with lots of unemployment, and examination scams; which adds to the unemployment. Inadequate job opportunities to its growing population is also a significant challenge. We can see an over-dependency on government jobs due to lack of private sector development. It presents limited opportunities in industries like IT, manufacturing and startups. With limited private sector growth and government jobs being highly competitive, many young people are forced to migrate for better prospects.
333446 applicants (Graduates, Post-Graduates, Diploma Holders, Draftsman, ITI Trained, Skilled other than ITI) are registered for various District Employment and Counselling Centers. This highlights the need of the skill development programs aligned with market needs that can help youth become more employable, is the need of the hour.Promoting entrepreneurship among young people with support programs can provide a long-term solution to the problem of unemployment. More utilization of natural resources and local talent would also help in creating more opportunities in the erstwhile state.It’s an entire horizon for the government to navigate and toil on. Alternate employment possibilities for people migrating from Kashmir to Jammu in winters is also a crucial area where the government should invest its resources.
Tourism
Known for its scenic beauty, lake, hills and cultural destinations; tourism in Jammu and Kashmir is noticeable. Tourism is a key contributor to the economic growth and development of the former state. Although tourism has historically been the backbone of J&K’s economy, the frequent political disturbances, coupled with inadequate marketing and infrastructure, have severely impacted the sector. There are still unexplored places in Jammu and Kashmir which can be pitched as tourist attraction. Kishtwar, Doda and Bhaderwah are notable places that are yet are underappreciated. This is a consequence of bad road connectivity in the territory. They’re still hidden from the eyes of tourists.
Adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism should also be fully leveraged in J&K. More skilled manpower is also required to prevent further exacerbation of the tourism industry. There should be a strong push towards creating a safe, sustainable, and diversified tourism model. Proper infrastructure, such as better roads, connectivity, and safety measures, should also be prioritized to attract more tourists. J&K should collaborate with the International tourism boards to market J&K as a global destination.Tourism contributed8.47 percent in 2022-23 to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Tourism has sustained its participation in the sparsely populated and beleaguered economy of the Union Territory.
Though Jammu and Kashmir’s beauty presents it as a strategic tourist destination, its fragile environment posits equal challenges. Efforts to project the normalcy and tranquility after dilution of special status of region has resulted in unchecked influx of tourist. This is a stress on delicate ecological equilibrium of J&K. Responsible tourism practices and a planned tourism would help the sector sustain its growth and further enhance development in J&K.
Healthcare
Though health is of paramount importance to any region yet medical sector of Jammu and Kashmir has struggled for a long time. These obstacles are cumulative result of various factors ranging from shortage in demands of medical staff to emergency response system in the Union Territory. Healthcare sector of Jammu is currently crippling. The sector faces notable challenges in accessibility, affordability, and quality. While urban centers like Srinagar and Jammu have relatively better healthcare facilities, quality doctors, required infrastructure and adequate medical instruments are not available in semi-urban or rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Usually cases are referred to Government Medical College in Jammu where you might face overcrowding. However, after arrival of AIIMS in Jammu it is expected the situation would change. Maternal and child health indicators in J&K are also concerning. High rates of anemia among women and malnutrition among children makes condition even worse.
The current circumstances can only be dealt by detaching doctors, so that they serve in the remote areas to irradicate medical disparity in J&K. Strengthening of the primary healthcare system with well-equipped health centers in rural areas is also very essential. Initiatives like telemedicine and mobile health should be encouraged to bridge the gap. These initiatives can deliver drastic outcomes in a shorter span. Increase in seats in institutions like Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) can enlarge supply of doctors and healthcare professionals and medical to meet the demands. Training of local youth in medical fields can be extremely helpful in tackling the shortage. Healthcare sector requires rigorously monitoring of the current medical situation in the region to find out the areas where the actual work is needed to be done.
Sports
Jammu and Kahmir has produced some phenomenal talents across all sports, over the years. But these numbers do not justify the immense talent the Union Territory has. The potential in sports, with its youth showing great enthusiasm and talent in disciplines such as cricket, football, and winter sports is highly commendable. However, their grooming faces several hinderances. Lack of modern infrastructure and coaching facilities have failed the nurturing of these young athlete. The inadequate exposure to national and international platforms have robbed these players and also the nation of some exceptional capabilities. The region’s geographical advantage for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding remains largely untapped. Similarly, traditional sports such as polo and archery, which have deep cultural roots, have not received adequate attention. The absence of a structured sports policy and limited funding further aggravates the situation. The youth of Physical Education are not provided with jobs, which makes them work for lesser amount of money than they really deserve as salaries.
Sport is not viewed as a career in J&K. The best way to change this is by producing good results. This can only be achieved by providing platform to the young talents to perform, express themselves and gain experience. Recognition to players will motivate players around them. More of public sports institutions, professional training programs and quality tournaments will produce favorable results for both the players and J&K Union Territory. The Rehbar-e-Khel, Rehbar-e-Talim and Rehbar-e-Janglat were great initiatives but the impending justice to the employees under such schemes (Rehbar-e-Khel) over the past two years clearly highlights the undeniable suffering of athletes eventually. This underscore a lot is needed to be done to shape the talent in Jammu and Kashmir. Treating these obstacles is only possible if we maintain the sports complex in accordance to international standards. We also need to have more funding and sponsorship for emerging athletes. Neglecting potential in adventure and winter sports should also be checked.
Traffic Management
Traffic Management has become a big issue in Jammu. The chaos is increasing day by day. The chaotic traffic system is witnessed through out the year in the city but the same is compounded in the winter months due to increased foot fall here.
There are three factors that are responsible for the Traffic Management. Most important is the infrastructure mainly roads followed by the traffic sense of the users and then the efficacy of the Traffic Department. Notwithstanding the efforts of the Government through introduction of technology to regulate the traffic, there is not much head way. Commuters have to face a lot of problems particularly on Amphalla – Bantalab, Jewel- Bohri and the old city routes. While the concerned department has a role to play but the general public can also contribute to change.
Reviving Theatrical Movement in J&K
The rich tradition of theatre in Jammu and Kashmir, once a vital part of the region’s cultural identity, is currently facing challenges that have left the local theatrical scene in a state of dormancy. With the closure of Abhinav Theatre for renovations and the lack of major theatre activities by cultural institutions such as the J& K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, National Zonal Cultural Centre (NZCC) and others, the region’s vibrant tradition of drama and performance has been placed on pause. As a result, local artists are finding fewer platforms to showcase their talents, and audiences are missing the cultural engagement that theatre so often provides.
While the closure of Abhinav Theatre is necessary for its renovation, this hiatus, combined with the absence of theatre festivals and events organized by cultural institutions, has created a void that is being felt by both performers and audiences. Theatre has long been a powerful means of cultural expression, a way to engage in dialogue, and a reflection of society. Without the opportunity to experience such performances, the local community is missing out on an essential aspect of cultural life.
In light of this, it would be a positive step for institutions like the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), along with other cultural organizations, to consider the revival of theatre as a priority. Simple yet impactful initiatives, such as organizing regional theatre festivals, regular performances, and workshops for aspiring artists, can help to reignite the theatrical movement. Collaborative efforts with other theatre groups from outside the region can introduce new perspectives and creative ideas that will further enrich the local scene. Additionally, involving schools and colleges in theatre activities can be a wonderful way to nurture the next generation of performers, directors, and playwrights. By introducing young people to the magic of theatre, we ensure that this rich cultural tradition will continue to grow and evolve.
Theatre is not just about performances-it is about preserving and sharing stories, sparking meaningful conversations, and strengthening community bonds. By bringing back a thriving theatre culture, we can celebrate the diverse narratives of Jammu and Kashmir and ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the power of live theatre.
We humbly hope that the efforts of cultural institutions, alongside the passion and dedication of local artists, will pave the way for the revival of theatre in Jammu and Kashmir. With collective support and initiative, we can look forward to a future where the stage is once again alive with creativity, expression, and cultural pride. Let 2025 be the year that marks the return of theatre as a central force in our cultural life.
Mohd. Yaseen
Theatrist
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