Srinagar: A recent survey has exposed significant economic difficulties faced by the majority of residents in Jammu Kashmir, with two-thirds reporting heightened financial struggles due to declining income and rising expenses.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the “Mood of the Nation” survey conducted by the India Today Group found that 66% of the inhabitants in the region are finding it more challenging to manage their expenses compared to last year. The survey indicates a troubling trend of reduced income and increased financial burden among the population.

The data also shed light on the pressing issue of unemployment, identified by 47% of participants as their primary concern, underscoring the anxiety felt by the educated youth over the scarcity of jobs. Moreover, 17% of those surveyed pointed to inflation and the consequent rise in prices as major issues affecting their economic stability.

Interestingly, while 30% of respondents reported no change in their income levels, they experienced a rise in expenses, highlighting the disproportionate impact of economic conditions on daily living costs. Only 13% of the population noted improvements in both income and expenditure, suggesting that financial gains are limited to a small fraction of residents.

Development concerns, though significant, were less frequently mentioned, with just 11% viewing it as a primary issue, illustrating the overriding importance of immediate economic challenges over long-term developmental goals.