Jammu, Feb 21 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir government provided government jobs to over 24,000 youth during 2012-2013.

Minister for Labour and Employment Ajay Sadhotra Friday told the state legislative council that "As many as 24,517 people have been provided employment which includes 517 posts filled through the state public service commission, and 6,642 through the state subordinate services selection board during 2012-13".

"Under centrally sponsored schemes, 9,725 people have been appointed and district level recruiting agencies have selected 7,633 candidates," Sadhotra said replying to a question by legislator Mohammad Ashraf Mir.

Replying to a supplementary question, the minister assured that the process of recruitment by different agencies would be further speeded up for the benefit of those applying for different posts.

He also said that the government is serious about addressing the problem of unemployment in the state and has launched a comprehensive holistic programme called Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for the Youth (SKEWPY) to address the problem in which a target of providing employment to five lakh unemployed youth has been set for five years in government and the private sector.

Besides, the government is also providing hand-holding support to unemployed youth in the form of voluntary service allowance (VSA).