India’s Youth Crisis

GS3 – Indian Economy

 

Despite having the world’s largest youth population, India struggles with inadequate policies that limit their potential, impacting economic growth and global competitiveness.

Youth Demographic Advantage

India’s vast young population presents a unique opportunity to strengthen its workforce and drive economic progress—if effectively utilized.

Challenges Faced by Indian Youth

• Poor Education Standards: Many students complete school without basic literacy and numeracy skills due to substandard education.
• Malnutrition & Stunting: 38% of children under six suffer from stunting, while 17% are underweight, affecting cognitive development and learning ability.
• Unemployment & Underemployment: A skills gap forces many young Indians into low-paying, informal sector jobs.
• Migration Crisis: Limited job prospects drive illegal migration, exposing youth to exploitation and deportation.

Government Efforts & External Challenges

• State-Level Governance Issues: Weak governance at the state level impedes progress in education, healthcare, and skill development.
• Overemphasis on Cultural Promotion: Policy focus often leans toward heritage conservation rather than economic and industrial development.

Comparison with China

• Investment in Human Capital: China’s emphasis on education, healthcare, and infrastructure has made its workforce globally competitive.
• Industrial & Skill Development: China attracts foreign investment by ensuring a highly skilled and productive workforce.
• India’s Lagging Performance: Unlike China, India has struggled to build a strong human capital base, limiting its economic potential.

Way Forward: Policy Reforms Needed

• Urgent Government Action: Shift focus from rhetoric to concrete reforms in education, healthcare, and job creation.
• Employment Generation: Strengthen manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Boosting Investments: Improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) to position India as a global manufacturing hub.
• Youth-Centric Economic Planning: Prioritize youth empowerment to capitalize on India’s demographic dividend before the window of opportunity closes.