Lawmaker Questions Mission YUVA Hiring Policy, Seeks Wider Access for Jammu Kashmir Universities
SRINAGAR: A lawmaker has raised concerns regarding the recruitment policy under Mission YUVA in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the program restricts high-paying consultant positions to graduates from only two institutions: IIM Jammu and IIT Jammu. This exclusion has sparked a debate about the fairness and inclusivity of the hiring process, particularly for candidates from other universities in the Union Territory.
Concerns Raised by Lawmaker
Waheed Parra, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), took to social media to question why the recruitment process for Mission YUVA positions has been limited to these two institutions. He emphasized the need for opening the selection to graduates from various universities across Jammu and Kashmir, including:
- Jammu University
- Kashmir University
- Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST)
- Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU)
- Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University (MVSDU)
Parra’s post highlighted the importance of merit in the recruitment process, arguing that if merit is the guiding principle, the selection should either be expanded to include all universities within Jammu and Kashmir or extended to graduates of IIMs and IITs across the country.
Recruitment Details Under Mission YUVA
According to the recruitment details issued for Mission YUVA, the Directorate of Employment intends to engage full-time individual consultants for the program’s Project Management Unit (PMU) at both the Union Territory and divisional levels. The proposed structure includes several managerial and technical positions, with specific educational requirements and salary packages.
Managerial Positions
Most managerial roles require MBA graduates from IIM Jammu, with the following key positions outlined:
- Chief Manager (PMU Team Lead): Rs 3 lakh per month; requires an MBA graduate from IIM Jammu with three years of managerial experience.
- Managers for Ecosystem Creation, Enterprise Development, Finance, Skill Development, Market Linkage, and Review and Monitoring: Rs 2.5 lakh per month; requires MBA graduates from IIM Jammu with at least one year of experience.
Technical Roles
Technical roles, such as Manager (IT), are reserved for B.Tech graduates from IIT Jammu. The details include:
- Manager (IT): Five positions available; monthly remuneration of Rs 1.5 lakh; candidates should preferably have degrees in computer science or electrical engineering.
Divisional-Level Positions
The recruitment plan also includes divisional-level positions for both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, which are as follows:
- Divisional Manager YUVA: Rs 2.5 lakh per month.
- Assistant Divisional Managers: Rs 2 lakh per month; roles include ecosystem creation, enterprise development, finance, skill development, and market linkage.
These posts also require MBA graduates from IIM Jammu.
Selection Process
The selection process for Mission YUVA positions involves several steps:
- Invitation of applications from graduates of IIM Jammu and IIT Jammu.
- Group discussions to assess candidates’ understanding of entrepreneurship, MSMEs, credit enablement, skilling frameworks, and public program implementation.
- Shortlisted candidates from group discussions will appear for structured interviews before a selection committee.
The selection committee is chaired by the Director of IIM Jammu and includes various stakeholders, such as:
- Director of Employment
- Special Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department
- Director Finance
- Two professors nominated by IIM Jammu
- One professor nominated by Jammu or Kashmir University
- Experts from NABARD and JK Bank
This committee is responsible for scrutinizing applications, conducting interviews, and recommending candidates based on merit for engagement under Mission YUVA.
Implications for Local Students
Parra’s concerns reflect a broader issue regarding educational equity and employment opportunities for local students. With high salary packages being offered for selective institutions, he questioned why students from Jammu and Kashmir are being deprived of opportunities when a significant percentage of students at IIT and IIM Jammu are from outside the region. He emphasized the need for inclusivity in the hiring process to ensure that local talent is recognized and utilized.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the Mission YUVA hiring policy raises important questions about access to opportunities for graduates from various universities in Jammu and Kashmir. As the conversation continues, it remains crucial for policymakers to consider the implications of their decisions on local students and the broader educational landscape.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest developments as of March 6, 2026, and is subject to change as new updates emerge.
