Minister says private sector in J&K remains weak; condemns demolition of tribal houses, calls Eid a message of peace and sacrifice
Srinagar, May 21 : Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday said the government is working on creating opportunities for professional degree holders, while acknowledging that the absence of a strong private sector in Jammu and Kashmir remains a major challenge for educated youth.
Speaking to reporters, as per news agency JKNS, Itoo said the event was organised to appreciate students who had successfully completed their degrees.
“These students are very intelligent and deserve appreciation. Encouragement helps them move further in life,” she said.
Replying to a question regarding employment opportunities for MBA and other professional degree holders, the minister said government jobs alone cannot accommodate everyone.
“Not everyone can get a government job, and unfortunately we hardly have a strong private sector here,” she said.
Itoo said the government is processing proposals related to recruitment and opportunities for professional graduates.
“Earlier, certain posts were created during Dr Farooq Abdullah’s tenure in 1996, but no fresh recruitment happened afterwards. Now the government is trying and the file is under process. Inshallah, we will have to think of something for these children,” she added.
Extending Eid greetings to the people, the minister prayed for peace, prosperity and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
“May Allah accept everyone’s sacrifices and prayers. We hope the difficulties of the people of Jammu and Kashmir end and peace prevails everywhere,” she said.
Commenting on the issue of forest rights and demolition of tribal houses, Itoo criticised the action and termed it “wrong”.
“These are poor people who live near forests and have nowhere else to go. Demolishing their small houses is injustice. Action should be taken against those who have illegally occupied huge tracts of land, not poor tribal families,” she said.
The minister also alleged that opposition leaders were making repeated corruption allegations without proof and accused them of spreading false narratives for political purposes. (JKNS)
