J&K Govt shattered dreams of youth by outsourcing 23,000 jobs: LoP Sunil Sharma

Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Saturday alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir government has outsourced nearly 23,000 jobs, dealing a blow to unemployed youth across the Union Territory.

“The Omar Abdullah government has outsourced or effectively sold around 23,000 jobs instead of filling them through a transparent recruitment process. It has shattered the dreams of poor, unemployed youth. This is a huge betrayal of the youth of J&K,” Sharma said.

He was speaking to reporters after an event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, where several leaders from the National Conference (NC), Congress, PDP, Apni Party and other political outfits formally joined the BJP.

Citing the government’s response in the Assembly, Sharma said nearly 23,000 jobs had been outsourced across the region over the past two years. In a written reply to a question by Handwara MLA Sajad Lone, the government stated that 22,886 positions were outsourced during the period.

“This decision has shattered the dreams of the youth. I warn the government to roll back this order, otherwise it will have to face the anger of the youth of J&K,” he said.

Sharma also claimed that the BJP would continue to hold the government accountable, particularly on the issue of employment. “The youth of Kashmir once faced threats to life, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured their security. He gave them safety, but the Abdullahs have taken away their jobs,” he alleged.

Addressing the gathering, Sharma said the induction of senior political leaders and grassroots representatives into the BJP reflected growing support for the party’s policies and governance model. He reiterated the party’s commitment to strengthening grassroots democracy, ensuring equitable development and safeguarding the interests of all sections of society.

Member of Parliament and BJP J&K president Sat Sharma said the decision of leaders from other parties to join the BJP demonstrated increasing public faith in the party’s vision of development, transparent governance, grassroots empowerment and inclusive growth in J&K.

He added that the BJP’s leadership, experience and strong public connect would further strengthen efforts to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, BJP J&K General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul said the steady influx of leaders and workers from different political backgrounds indicated the party’s expanding organisational base and credibility.

(With agency inputs)