The unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir is on a steady rise and stands at a staggering 18.3 per cent. An extensive survey conducted by the J&K Department of Employment across all districts of the Union Territory between March and May 2022, in collaboration with district administrations revealed that as of May 31, 2022, there were 6,63,511 unemployed youth in the union territory (UT). The rate is much higher than average unemployment rate in India. A similar situation prevails in the U.T of Ladakh.

Though unemployment is a social issue of serious concern at the national level, the UT like most of the states/UTs of the country has been facing the problem of unemployment for a long time, exacerbating social and economic challenges. The Information Technology (IT) industry in India has been a significant contributor to economic growth and employment. It holds tremendous potential to address unemployment challenges through various avenues. To inculcate the real potential of ICT for addressing unemployment challenge, a broad skill development needs to be undertaken. The project aims at enhancing the employability of Jobless Youth of J&K and Ladakh in the IT industry with special emphasis on local IT Sector through NSQF based Skill Development. The skill development program will be further augmented by Job readiness assessment / preparation program for the candidates.

There is an urgent need to establish state-of-the-art online examination facilities at NIELIT Srinagar, Leh, and Kargil to address critical challenges faced by students and job seekers in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Currently, a significant number of candidates appear for entrance exams such as NEET, AIIMS, JEE, and recruitment examinations for banking, civil services, and other national and state-level opportunities. Students and job seekers in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh have to travel to other regions for these exams, which creates substantial barriers — high travel costs, accommodation expenses, and logistical challenges — discouraging participation, particularly among economically weaker sections. By establishing dedicated examination centers at NIELIT Srinagar, Leh, and Kargil, students can conveniently appear for exams locally, reducing both financial burden and dropout rates.

There is also a strong need to upgrade existing labs at NIELIT Srinagar, Leh, and Kargil. With many industries evolving in the fields of IT, electronics, robotics, and engineering, the existing lab infrastructure needs modernization. The upgrade will enhance the quality and relevance of skill development programs by incorporating the latest industry tools and technologies, providing hands-on experience to students, and improving the training process — ensuring better employability for youth across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.