Jammu, Dec 5 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday announced that unemployed youth between 20-37 years of age would get a monthly stipend ranging between Rs.500 and Rs.1,000.
There would be different grades for youth who have studied up to class 10 and above, he said while unveiling state’s employment policy here. The stipend would cost state exchequer more than Rs.250 crore per annum.

The government would also offer easy loans to the youth for starting their own businesses, he Abdullah added.

During the election campaign for the 2008 assembly elections, both the National Conference and the Congress, which had an unspoken alliance, spoke of giving jobs and stipends to the unemployed youth.

Unemployment has been listed as one of the reasons for the growth of militancy in Kashmir.

Omar Abdullah said” “There may be many more things (development schemes) comin”.”

”

“All the vacant posts would be referred to the recruiting agenci”s,” the chief minister said.