New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) In response to the worries expressed by Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MP Chowdry Muhammad Ramzan, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje stood by the government's initiatives, stating that numerous schemes have been introduced to elevate the employment prospects for young individuals.

"Our objective is to safeguard Kashmir and prioritize the youth," Karandlaje remarked, sharing a personal story to highlight the evolving perceptions.

During a flight, a girl from the region told her, "This is the first time in our nation's history that a Prime Minister is considering the welfare of the children from Jammu and Kashmir."

This statement was framed by the minister as proof of the Centre's renewed commitment to the youth of the Union Territory under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She pointed out the advancements made through the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), revealing that 160,000 individuals from Jammu and Kashmir have registered with EPFO in the past two years. This marks a significant advancement toward formal employment integration and social security.

This exchange occurs against the backdrop of broader parliamentary discussions surrounding unemployment, particularly during the Union Budget deliberations.

Critics, including members of Congress, have consistently challenged the government on its ineffective job creation strategies and the noticeable regional disparities.

In Jammu and Kashmir, ongoing unemployment has been associated with numerous social issues, including the drug crisis, which local leaders and experts say impacts thousands of youth and jeopardizes long-term stability.

On Thursday, Muhammad Ramzan highlighted the severe unemployment situation in the Union Territory during a parliamentary dialogue, cautioning that joblessness is driving the region's youth toward social evils such as rampant drug addiction.

Ramzan characterized unemployment as a "critical issue" in Jammu and Kashmir, where many educated young people are left without viable job opportunities. He stressed that the job scarcity is not just an economic challenge but a social concern, directly contributing to the troubling increase in drug dependency among the youth.

"Unemployment pushes Jammu and Kashmir's youth towards social issues like addiction," he emphasized, underlining the pressing need for targeted interventions to avert further societal decline.

Ramzan pressed the Central government for concrete plans to address this dire situation, urging Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje for specific measures to alleviate the growing despair in the region.

The government's focus on EPFO enrollment and welfare initiatives indicates efforts to formalize employment; however, critics argue that more comprehensive, region-specific industrial and entrepreneurial support is necessary to effectively tackle the root causes.