Unemployment a major concern for 47% in Jammu Kashmir, Development cited by only 11%: Survey

August 30, 2024 by News Desk

Aerial view of Anantnag town in south Kashmir

In Jammu Kashmir, only 11 per cent of people see development as a major concern, while nearly half the population is gripped by the fear of unemployment, according to the latest ‘Mood of the Nation’ survey by the India Today Group.

A new survey by the India Today Group reveals that in Jammu Kashmir, unemployment has become the dominant worry for 47 per cent of the population. This figure overshadows other issues like rising prices and development, with only 17% citing price increases as their main concern, and just 11% pointing to a lack of development.

Further insights from the survey show that when it comes to the living standards in the region over the past year, 33 per cent of respondents reported an improvement, while 34 per cent said their living standards have remained the same. However, 25 per cent of respondents noted that their living standards have deteriorated.

The financial burden on households is evident, as 67 per cent of respondents reported that their current expenses have become difficult to manage compared to last year. Another 20p per cent admitted that while their expenses have gone up, they are still manageable, and a mere 5 per cent said their expenses have decreased.

When it comes to income, 38 per cent of people said their earnings have gone down while their costs have risen, making it harder to make ends meet. For 30 per cent, income levels have stayed the same, but their spending has increased, adding to their financial strain. Only a small percentage, 2 per cent, have seen their income go up while cutting back on expenses.