Srinagar, Feb 16 : Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday declared the State Government''s intentions to create jobs in the private sector through a fast track recruitment process.

Describing unemployment as the "biggest challenge" before the state, Rather assured that recruitment agencies have also been told to hire people in government departments.

He advised job seekers not to run after government jobs only as the sector has a "limited absorption capacity".

Rather suggested that youngsters set up their own ventures by taking advantage of incentives provided under state and central industrial policies.

He further informed that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is initiating discussions with big corporate houses in the country in order to persuade them to invest in Jammu and Kashmir and create job opportunities for youth.

He distributed cheques worth Rs 25.15 lakh to 188 persons of his home constituency, Charar-i-Sharief in Budgam district, for construction and upgradation of their houses under the Indira Awas Yojna. (ANI)