India is the world’s largest democracy and second most populous country with over 1.3 billion people, of which nearly 60% are below the age of 30. The median age in India is 27 years, making it a youthful nation. With more than 62% of the population in the working-age group, India has a demographic dividend which is a key driver for economic growth.

Youth empowerment is vital for inclusive and sustainable development in any society. It entails equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to fully participate in society and make informed decisions about their lives. In India, however, youth empowerment remains a challenge due to a lack of access to quality education and employment opportunities, as well as entrenched social and gender inequalities.

The Government of India has recognized the importance of youth empowerment and has taken various initiatives to address the challenges. These include setting up National Skill Development Mission, launching the ‘Make in India’ campaign, and starting the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ program. While these are welcome steps, much more needs to be done to ensure that all young people in India have equal opportunities to develop their skills and realize their potential.

Education and Access to Jobs

In India, over 60% of the population is below the age of 35, making it one of the world’s youngest countries. This large youth population can be a source of great strength for the country. However, it also presents a significant challenge: ensuring that all young people have access to quality education and good jobs.

The current education system in India is not meeting the needs of young people. Many schools are overcrowded and lack basic facilities. The quality of teaching is often poor, and there is a shortage of qualified teachers. Many students drop out of school before completing their education.

There are also not enough jobs to absorb all of the young people who are entering the workforce. Unemployment is a serious problem in India, and it is especially acute among youth. In 2018, the unemployment rate among 20-24-year-olds was 10.8%. This means that more than 1 in 10 young people in India are looking for work but cannot find it.

The situation is unlikely to improve unless there are dramatic changes in the education system and the labor market. The government must invest more resources in education, including improving infrastructure and teacher training. And businesses must create more jobs, particularly for young people who lack formal qualifications. Only by empowering its youth can India hope to reach its full potential as a nation.

Common Challenges Faced by Indian Youth

The economic liberalization of India in the early 1990s created a multitude of opportunities for the country’s vast population of young people. However, despite these opportunities, the majority of Indian youth still face significant challenges that prevent them from achieving their full potential.

• Poverty- According to the World Bank, over 60% of the Indian population lives below the international poverty line of US$1.90 per day. This means that many young people lack access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Additionally, poor families often cannot afford to send their children to school, which limits their ability to get ahead economically.
• Lack of Skilled Labor- While there are many jobs available in the country, most require highly specialized skillsets that few young people have. This has led to high unemployment rates among youth, as well as underemployment in low-skilled jobs.
• Social Inequality- Despite progress made in recent years towards equality, caste and class divisions still dominate Indian society. This can limit young people’s access to education and employment opportunities, as well as social mobility. Furthermore, prejudice and discrimination against minority groups continue to be a problem in India.

How can we Empower Young People in India?

In India, nearly 60% of the population is below the age of 30, making it one of the youngest countries in the world. This large population of young people presents both a challenge and an opportunity for India. On one hand, the country must provide enough jobs and opportunities for this large group of people. On the other hand, this young population also has the potential to drive economic growth and development in India. There are many challenges that young people face in India. These include;

1. Unemployment
2. Underemployment
3. poor working conditions
4. lack of skills

Many young people are also not aware of their rights or how to access government services. Moreover, there is a big gap between what is taught in schools and colleges and the skills that are required in the workplace. As a result, many young people are not able to find jobs that match their qualifications or skills.

There are several solutions to these challenges. 

1. Provide better access to information and education on rights, government services, and employment opportunities. 
2. Improve vocational training so that young people have the skills that employers are looking for. 
3. Create more jobs, especially in rural areas where youth unemployment is high. The government can also provide financial support to startups and businesses run by young entrepreneurs.

Empowering young people in India is essential for the country’s economic development and growth. By addressing the challenges that young people face, we can unleash their

Discovering an Appetite for Change

In India, nearly one-third of the population is below the age of 14. This demographic shift has created both challenges and opportunities for youth empowerment in the country. Nevertheless, there is a need for more educational and economic opportunities for young people. This large youth population also represents a huge potential workforce that can drive economic growth. The challenge for policymakers is to create an environment that allows young people to thrive.

1. Access to Quality Education
2. Skilled Training
3. Good Jobs

It also means creating social safety nets to protect against risks like poverty, disease, and violence. The solutions to these challenges are complex and will require time and resources to implement. But there is a reason for hope. India’s economy is growing, and with it, the middle class is expanding. This provides new opportunities for young people to get ahead. Additionally, civil society groups are working to empower youth through initiatives like mentorship programs and leadership development courses.

Youth-Led Organizations and Advocacy

In India, youth-led organizations are playing an important role in advocating for the rights of young people. These organizations are working to address the challenges facing young people in India, including access to education, employment, and health care. They are also working to create opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making processes at the local and national levels.

The work of youth-led organizations is critical to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and that their rights are upheld. However, these organizations face challenges in terms of funding, capacity, and sustainability. To be successful, they need support from the government, civil society, and the private sector.

Impact of Technology and Social Media

In a rapidly globalizing world, India is not only an economic powerhouse but also a culturally vibrant and diverse nation. As the world becomes more interconnected, India needs to maintain its unique identity while also participating in the global community.

One of the biggest challenges facing India is empowering its youth population. With over half of the population under the age of 25, the country has a large potential workforce that can contribute to economic growth and development. However, many young people lack access to education and basic skills training. In addition, gender disparities and caste-based discrimination limit opportunities for many young people, especially women and those from lower caste groups.

While there are many challenges to youth empowerment in India, there are also many potential solutions. One way to improve access to education and skills training is through online learning platforms like Coursera and edX which offer free or low-cost courses from top universities around the world. Another solution is to provide financial incentives for businesses that hire young people from underserved communities. Additionally, increasing access to entrepreneurship programs can give young people the tools they need to start their businesses.

The Indian government has taken some steps to address youth empowerment, but more needs to be done to fully support the country’s youthful population. With a large and growing youth population, India has the potential to become a leading force in the global economy.