Maqsood Ahmad Ganai from Kashmir’s Anantnag district is a 38-year-old botany PhD graduate from the University of Kashmir who served as a temporary teacher at a government-run institution for almost ten years. In the past five years, Ganai has had difficulty finding a permanent or temporary teaching post despite his qualifications. As a result, Ganai now operates a makeshift juice stall in Kashmir where he sells apple juice. Here’s his struggle with unemployment.
Challenges Faced By PhD Graduate Maqsood Ahmad Ganai
In order to provide for his family, Ganai is forced to sell juice close to his in-laws’ apple orchard. On a good day, he makes between ₹100 and ₹500, but at times no one comes in. Ganai attempted to find employment through government initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), but his “overqualification” as a PhD prevented him from securing employment.
Like many educated youth, Indian youth struggle financially and have limited possibilities for sustaining themselves. Ganai spent years studying and producing research articles in Madhya Pradesh, but his hopes of a steady job have dimmed. Ganai works 12 hours a day at his stall and comes home with a hurting back and aching feet, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Plight Of Other Scholars In Kashmir
Many people in Kashmir who possess a wide variety of skills and qualifications are suffering from unemployment. Another such PhD graduate is Dr. Manzoor Hassan. Due to delayed salary payments, Dr. Manzoor Hassan, a PhD graduate in the Kashmir Valley, is compelled to sell spices and dry fruits on a cart.
Having earned several degrees, including a PhD in Political Science, MAs in Political Science and Public Administration, and postgraduate certifications in Computer Application and Disaster Management, Hassan highlighted the difficulties highly skilled people like him confront in earning a living, as reported by News18 in August 2024.
On the streets of Shopian District, Dr. Manzoor Hassan, a well-known academic with several degrees, sells dry fruits and spices. He revealed that he occasionally gets depressed and that many students cry when they see him. Despite his parents’ aspirations, he often gets home at 9 PM and leaves as early as 6:30 AM, as reported by News18 in August this year.
Many scholars and PhD graduates in Kashmir are struggling to survive and acquire a stable job.
Cover Image Credit: Canva Pro
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.