Srinagar, Nov 26: It is an uphill task that New Delhi-constituted high-power job panel headed by C Rangarajan will have to face to rejuvenate investment-deficient sectors like agriculture, handicraft and tourism that according to experts hold key to deal with rising unemployment in the state.
More daunting, according to experts, for the panel will be identifying new, sustainable, expandable and long-term areas to open new windows for hi-end and more rewarding jobs.
Experts, keeping a track on state’s economy, suggest that the knowledge economy can be promoted to create massive jobs in the state. “Knowledge sector is an area where hi-end research and study centres are opened and new knowledge created --- in academic, biological and technical areas --- and shared for a price or in exchange of new applicable-and-resource-generating knowledge from outside,” said an expert.
Experts said the multi-billion and ever expanding knowledge sector can produce high-earning jobs for a whole range of professionals in the valley. “A patented local technology can generate money and jobs locally in first place. Sharing it for a price will fetch more money to the state exchequer,” said the expert.
They explained: “In the medical field, a hi-end cancer research institute can be opened, in academic area a world-class study centres on philosophers and politicians etc can be started, new research centre in agriculture and farming sector ---- all this can revolutionise the society and bear high dividends economically by attracting buyers and investors from abroad,” said the expert.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-appointed Rangarajan job panel can suggest investment in new areas to lay a strong foundation of Kashmir’s economy.
Interestingly, US president Barack Obama during his recent India trip referred to the knowledge sector as future currency.
The experts equally put thrust on low-end tech-developing industry on the lines of Japan. “We can introduce machine making and electronic spare parts production at senior school level and at community level even among unlettered people. Like weaving carpet, carving wood, the youth can produce electronic components like transistors, diodes and tubes etc. A little high-end at-home or at-shed factory can produce world class electronic games and other gadgets like people do in China’s backyard areas,” said the expert.
Most of the electronic component production is skill-based and low-cost. “The Union government has to facilitate introduction of such schools and training centres, which moves beyond producing batteries and power stabilizers. The focus should be more on electronic components meant for television, computers and other electronic gadgets,” said the expert.
The timely investment in such areas can attract brands in the future to come up with production centres here.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 26 Nov 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:00:00 IST