The revelation in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly that the region’s unemployment rate has declined from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 6.1% in 2023-24 is a significant indicator of economic progress. While the drop may seem modest at first glance, in the context of our unique socio-political and economic landscape, it is a vindication of the Modi government’s sustained efforts to bring stability, investment, and employment opportunities to the Union Territory post 2019 changes. The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was a watershed moment in J&K’s history. While opposition voices predicted economic instability, the Modi government emphasized that ending special status would lead to greater integration with India’s economy, opening doors for development, investment, and job creation. The latest unemployment data suggests that the government’s vision is translating into on-ground results. Post-2019, J&K has witnessed a flurry of infrastructure projects, industrial investments, and tourism revival. The government’s Industrial Development Scheme, launched with a massive ₹28,400 crore investment package, has encouraged private businesses to set up operations in the region, creating jobs in sectors ranging from IT to manufacturing. The Back to Village program and rural employment schemes have also contributed to greater job opportunities, particularly in remote areas. A major contributor to falling unemployment in J&K has been the revival of tourism, which is a cornerstone of our economy. The government’s aggressive push to promote Kashmir as a premier tourist destination has led to record-breaking footfalls. In 2023 alone, over 2 crore tourists visited J&K, boosting employment in hospitality, transport, and handicrafts. With the development of new tourism circuits and adventure tourism initiatives, thousands of jobs have been created. Simultaneously, infrastructure development, including the construction of highways, tunnels, and railways, has provided direct and indirect employment to thousands of youth. The upcoming Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ropeway and major road connectivity projects are expected to sustain this trend. The Modi government has also focused on skill development, recognizing that employment generation requires an empowered workforce. Schemes like Himayat and Skill India have been instrumental in equipping J&K’s youth with vocational training, enabling them to secure better-paying jobs. Additionally, the Start-Up India initiative has given a boost to young entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of self-employment and innovation. While challenges remain, the downward trend in unemployment proves that the Modi government’s policies in J&K are yielding tangible results. A stable, economically growing J&K not only benefits us but also strengthens the country’s strategic and economic interests. If the current trajectory continues, J&K could soon become a model for economic revival in post-conflict regions.