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Jobs & Career
J&K Tops India's Unemployment Chart with 9.4% Rate, PLFS Shows
✍️ Kashmir Life
🗓 14 Nov 2026, 01:31 PM
👁 29
The Periodic Labour Force Survey released by the Ministry shows Jammu and Kashmir’s overall unemployment at 9.4%, the highest among all Indian states and union territories.
The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) published by the Ministry of Labour and Employment indicates that Jammu and Kashmir recorded an overall unemployment rate of 9.4 per cent. This figure places the union territory at the top of the national ranking, surpassing every other state and UT in the country.
According to the survey, the 9.4 per cent rate reflects the combined urban and rural labour market in the region. While the PLFS provides a comprehensive picture of employment trends across India, Jammu and Kashmir’s figure stands out as the highest, exceeding the national average reported in the same survey.
Economists and policymakers note that such a level of joblessness can strain household incomes and increase pressure on social welfare schemes. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions to boost skill development, promote entrepreneurship, and attract investment to the region.
The government has previously announced several employment‑generation programmes for the state, and the new PLFS numbers are likely to shape future policy decisions aimed at reducing the unemployment gap.
According to the survey, the 9.4 per cent rate reflects the combined urban and rural labour market in the region. While the PLFS provides a comprehensive picture of employment trends across India, Jammu and Kashmir’s figure stands out as the highest, exceeding the national average reported in the same survey.
Economists and policymakers note that such a level of joblessness can strain household incomes and increase pressure on social welfare schemes. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions to boost skill development, promote entrepreneurship, and attract investment to the region.
The government has previously announced several employment‑generation programmes for the state, and the new PLFS numbers are likely to shape future policy decisions aimed at reducing the unemployment gap.