JKDYF demands unemployment allowance, fast-track recruitment

Kulgam, Aug 02: The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Youth Federation (JKDYF) on Saturday held its 5th District Conference here, with over 150 delegates in attendance. The participants demanded unemployment allowance and filling of vacant government posts on a fast-track basis.The JKDYF, the youth wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), also called for the restoration of democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir.State Secretary and DDC member Mohammad Abass Rather said the conference, held every three years, aimed to bring forward new leadership and decide the organisation’s course for the next term. “JKDYF is affiliated with the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI),” he said.Rather said people should demand stronger government institutions. “The stronger the public institutions, the better they can serve the people and create jobs, especially in education and health,” he said. “Privatisation increases the burden on the poor. Our slogan is the restoration of social security. If jobs are not available, the government should create schemes to make youth job creators instead of job seekers.”He said that if there are no jobs, the unemployed should be given an allowance. “Restoration of democratic rights must also be ensured and the government should tax the super-rich, not the poor,” he said.According to him, the conference discussed unemployment, inflation and drug abuse. “Economists believe that even a 2 per cent tax on the super-rich and inheritance tax could fund improvements in education and health and boost employment,” he said.In his inaugural address, former State Secretary Abdul Rashid Zainpora said the youth of J&K were going through the toughest times due to the absence of jobs and dignified livelihoods. “There is no option but to fight unitedly against the exploitative policies of the government, including contractualisation of jobs on meagre wages without job security,” he said.Outgoing district secretary Aashaq Hussain Dar presented the report of the federation’s activities over the last three years.JKDYF State President Wahid Sultan Dar said the organisation must be strengthened so that youth issues can be taken up effectively. “The democratic rights of the people must be restored without any further delay so that the legitimate concerns of the youth are addressed,” he said.Mohammad Abass Rather, also a member of the Centre Executive Committee of DYFI and Vice-President of JKDYF, said the BJP government’s claim that employment would rise after the abrogation of Article 370 had proven wrong. “The number of educated unemployed has increased sharply, including PhD scholars, doctors, technocrats and postgraduates. The government must announce an employment package for the youth so their talent can be used for nation-building,” he said.JKDYF Secretary Javed Iqbal Parrey said youth were the catalysts of change. “It is important for those in power to recognise this fact and utilise their talent for the good of society,” he said.Among others, Sheeraz Ahmad Dar, Irshad Ahmad and Imtiaz Ahmad Dar addressed the conference.The meeting elected a 21-member district committee with Amar Mansoor as District President and Rayees Ahmad Itoo as District Secretary.