Sir,
The decision of the State Government to raise the retirement age of its employees by two years has been welcomed by almost all employees, but it certainly has annoyed unemployed youth. The decision has been termed as an election stunt to please employees who the National Conference Government believes were to some extent responsible for its poll debacle in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.
Unemployment is a grave problem in the State and it needs a pragmatic approach on the part of the authorities to tackle it. The Government must explore all fields where these unemployed youth can be employed. Though it is not possible for the Government to provide Government jobs to all youth of the State, it is quite possible that Government create career counselling cells in each district of the State. The cells shall be responsible for providing technical assistance besides arranging financial assistance to these employed youth. The employment schemes like Sher-i-Kashmir employment scheme already in vogue needs to be recasted anew so as to meet the aspirations of the youth.
The Government must have a look at the functioning of Polytechnic colleges across the State. They should be  further modernised to provide latest technical know how to students. There is shortage of skilled workers in the State. This shortage could be overcome through these polytechnics. The measures as outlined above will help overcome the unemployment in the State.
Yours etc….
Sumit Sharma, Reasi