Unemployed Youth Paid ₹48.88 Crore in Recruitment Exam Fees Over Two Years: J&K Govt Tells Assembly

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU FEBRUARY 09:-The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday disclosed that unemployed youth in the Union Territory paid a staggering ₹48.88 crore as recruitment examination fees over the past two years, highlighting the growing financial burden on job aspirants.
The information was revealed in a written reply to a question raised by PDP MLA Waheed Parra in the Legislative Assembly. The government stated that the amount was collected by recruiting agencies for various examinations conducted during the period.
The disclosure has triggered sharp reactions, with opposition members questioning the rationale behind charging hefty fees from unemployed youth already grappling with limited job opportunities and economic distress.
Waheed Parra termed the figure “alarming” and said it reflects the systemic exploitation of unemployed youth, especially in a region facing prolonged unemployment and uncertainty. He demanded a review of the recruitment process and called for waiving or substantially reducing exam fees to ensure equitable access to employment opportunities.
The issue is expected to intensify political debate inside and outside the Assembly, with growing demands for recruitment reforms and greater accountability from hiring agencies.