Jammu and Kashmir should focus on retaining talented youth: Mattoo
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Amitabh Mattoo has emphasized the urgent need to retain talented youth in Jammu and Kashmir by restoring statehood and investing in key sectors. He warns that failing to provide opportunities for local ambition could lead to prolonged instability.
Addressing the Talent Drain in Jammu and Kashmir
The Imperative of Retention
Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, has highlighted a critical demographic challenge facing Jammu and Kashmir: the systemic exodus of its most talented youth. Speaking at the third V. N. Bahadur Memorial Lecture, Mattoo argued that for the region to stabilize and prosper, it must transition from a place where ambition is forced to depart to a landscape where potential can be fully realized. This perspective underscores the socio-economic reality that human capital is the primary engine of development, and its loss to other regions or nations represents an existential threat to J&K’s future.
The Role of Political Status
A core component of Mattoo’s argument is the explicit call for the restoration of Statehood. By linking administrative autonomy to the ability of the region to foster an environment conducive to growth, Mattoo posits that political stability is a prerequisite for economic retention. The transition from a Union Territory to a full state is viewed here as a symbolic and structural move necessary to restore institutional confidence and local governance, which are essential for nurturing the aspirations of a new generation.
Strategic Investment Sectors
To counteract the "prolonged hopelessness" that often permeates conflict-scarred societies, Mattoo advocates for a multi-pronged economic strategy. He emphasizes the need to invest in foundational pillars such as universities and technology, which are essential for a knowledge-based economy. Furthermore, he identifies the region’s traditional and emerging strengths—horticulture, tourism, and the burgeoning creative industries—as critical sectors that must be modernized to provide meaningful employment for the youth.
The Danger of Stagnation
Mattoo offers a stark warning: when a society fails to provide a viable future for its brightest citizens, it risks descending into cycles of dangerous instability. The frustration born from a lack of opportunity in a region already grappling with the historical scars of conflict can lead to social alienation. Therefore, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit and supporting local startups is not merely an economic policy, but a vital security imperative to ensure the youth remain stakeholders in the region's peace and progress.
Future Trends and Conclusion
The next decade will be the defining period for Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-economic trajectory. If the focus shifts successfully toward building robust local institutions and supporting indigenous talent, the region could reverse the trend of outward migration. However, this requires a concerted effort to move beyond the challenges of the past. As Mattoo suggests, the path forward lies in transforming J&K into a hub of innovation and opportunity, effectively integrating its youth into the global economy while ensuring the region remains a place they are proud to call home.
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