Meet the PhD Scholar from Jammu and Kashmir Running a Juice Stall in Anantnag

Unemployment remains a significant challenge in India, affecting millions of educated youths striving for government and private sector jobs. Jammu and Kashmir is no exception, where many highly qualified individuals struggle to find suitable employment despite their academic achievements.

One such individual is Maqsood Ahmad Ganai, a 38-year-old resident of Hugam village in the southern Anantnag district. Holding a doctorate in botany from the University of Kashmir, Ganai has nearly a decade of teaching experience on a temporary basis at a government college. However, for the past five years, he has been unable to secure even a temporary teaching position.

Faced with mounting frustration and the need to support his family, Ganai set up a small juice stall by the roadside near his village. Positioned along the route to the picturesque Pahalgam Valley, he waves at passing cars, offering freshly made apple juice to travelers. Priced at ₹100 per paper cup, his juice is made on the spot, aiming to attract tourists and locals alike.

Despite his efforts, Ganai's daily earnings range from a modest ₹100 to ₹500, and there are days when he has no customers at all. He supports his household, which includes his mother, his wife Rubia—who herself holds a master's degree in sociology but is also unemployed—and their six-year-old son.

"I even applied for work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), but they told me I was overqualified due to my PhD," Ganai shared. "It was disheartening. That's why I decided to sell juice—to keep myself occupied and maintain my sanity."

Standing at his stall for 12 hours each day, Ganai often feels a sense of shame when former students pass by. "When I see my students, I hide behind trees because I'm too embarrassed to face them," he admitted. His situation deeply affects his family. "Seeing me like this, my mother often cries, remembering how hard I worked to achieve my education," he added.

The struggles faced by Ganai are not isolated. When the government revoked Article 370 in 2019, it promised economic prosperity for Jammu and Kashmir. However, according to official data, the region's current unemployment rate stands at 18.3%, which is double the national average of 9%. This marks a significant increase from 5.1% in 2018-19, highlighting the growing job crisis in the area.

Approximately one million residents in Jammu and Kashmir are unemployed, many of whom are educated individuals like Ganai and his wife. The lack of job opportunities has forced many to take up work that doesn't align with their qualifications, leading to frustration and underemployment.

Ganai's story sheds light on the pressing need for effective employment policies and support systems in the region. "My situation isn't unique; many educated youths face the same economic struggles. We are left with few options to sustain ourselves," he remarked.

Despite the hardships, Ganai remains determined to provide for his family. His decision to run a juice stall symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity. "I just want to stay busy and not lose hope," he said.

The plight of educated yet unemployed individuals in Jammu and Kashmir calls for immediate attention from policymakers. Addressing this issue is crucial for harnessing the potential of the region's talented youth and fostering true economic development.