Centre committed to empowering J&K’s youth
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 9: Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, today said that for the last few years Kashmir is happier than before as the fear of terrorism has reduced.
Speaking to reporters after addressing the 3rd State Conference of Labour and Employment in Anantnag, Karandlaje said today’s Kashmir is different.
“I have come to Kashmir many times, but today’s Kashmir is very different – development programmes, better roads, railway connectivity, and happiness among people have all increased as the fear of terrorism has reduced,” she said.
The Minister praised J&K’s “remarkable progress” in recent years and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to improving employment opportunities and social security for workers. She said she had visited the region several times and witnessed visible transformation.
She said the government is working to expand social security coverage across India, including Jammu and Kashmir. “We want to bring every person under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) so that they can benefit from health insurance and pension,” she said, adding that the Centre is also considering enhancements to the Minimum Wages Act. Click here to watch video
Highlighting the role of grassroots workers, Karandlaje said ASHA and Anganwadi workers deserve fair pay. “We will take up the matter of their salaries with the Jammu and Kashmir government,” she assured.
Karandlaje, who visited Anantnag for the first time to meet local workers, said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly showing interest in entrepreneurship. “Whether through KVIC or small-scale industries, the central government aims to support young entrepreneurs through various schemes and loans,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from local trade unions and noted the growing collaboration between Kashmir and Karnataka in education and employment.
Commenting on political developments, Karandlaje dismissed opposition allegations of electoral malpractice, saying, “Those who cannot win elections level false accusations. Booth-level agents have full access to voter data,” she said. She also expressed confidence that the NDA will form the government in Bihar.
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