PDP MLA Waheed Para Demands Immediate Action on 32% Unemployment Rate in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu March 31, 2026 — Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para issued a stern call to action in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, highlighting a burgeoning unemployment crisis in the Union Territory.

Addressing the assembly, Para pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir is currently grappling with a staggering 32 percent unemployment rate, one of the highest in the country.

He urged the government to abandon delays and initiate a time-bound recruitment process to fill more than 30,000 vacant government positions that remain unoccupied despite the growing desperation of the local youth.

Beyond the sheer volume of vacancies, Para emphasized that the integrity of the recruitment system is under severe threat. He brought attention to the recurring issue of examination paper leaks, which he argued has systematically eroded public trust and unfairly penalized hardworking, deserving candidates.

To combat this, the MLA called for the implementation of rigorous safeguards and a transparent, accountable framework to restore the confidence of job aspirants.

His remarks underscore a growing sentiment of frustration among the youth, signaling that systemic reforms and immediate hiring are essential to address the socio-economic stability of the region.