Youth Aspirations and Expectations of Economic Recovery of Jammu and Kashmir in India after Abrogation of Article 370

Abstract

The paper intends to explore the perceptions of the youth regarding the economic recovery of Jammu and Kashmir in India after the abrogation of Article 370, and to draw the policy implications for the speedier economic recovery of conflict-ridden regions. The study has been confined to the Jammu region and focused on four selected districts of the Jammu region viz Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, and Poonch. A cluster sampling technique has been used to select respondents from the selected districts. The study has been restricted to the educated youth of selected districts as they represent the hope for the future and they can better interpret economic recovery. The primary data has been collected through a questionnaire survey of the youth of selected districts. A total of 120 educated youth (graduates, postgraduates, research degree holders belonging to different religious groups viz. Hindus and Muslims: 40 each, and Christians and Sikhs: 20 each) have been selected based on their approximate proportional representation in the total population. Data has been analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The paper reveals that economic recovery requires significant development of businesses and local economies. Young population is the heartbeat and energetic force for economic development. Therefore, their participation in economic recovery is vital to give right direction to the economy specifically since the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The developmental aspirations of the youth focused on agriculture reforms, investment in manufacturing, transportation, health, education, infrastructure, banking, and transparency in all development planning and implementation. Youth education and training and self-employment including the development of tourism, horticulture and handicrafts sectors were prioritized for economic recovery post-abrogation of Article 370. Addressing persistently high unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir has been ranked as one of the top priority areas for economic recovery. There is a need to rejuvenate the sick industrial units for creating sustained employment opportunities for youth. Tourism, handicrafts and horticulture sectors should be developed to reduce poverty, promote exports and generate employment for the youth through substantial funding from the Central government and private sector.