Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Define Demographic Dividend
- Explain the concept of demographic dividend and its significance for India.
- Mention the current youth population statistics.
- Thesis Statement
- State the main issues associated with employability and job creation, setting the tone for the discussion.
Body
Challenges of India’s Demographic Dividend
- Lack of Skill Sets
- Fact: Only 20% of graduates possess employable skills (National Skill Development Corporation, 2021).
- Discuss the gap between education and industry requirements.
- Unorganised Sector
- Fact: Approximately 90% of India’s workforce is in the unorganised sector (Periodic Labour Force Survey).
- Explain the implications of low wages and lack of job security.
- Fall in Female Labour Force Participation
- Fact: Female workforce participation has decreased to around 23% (World Bank).
- Discuss barriers to women’s entry into the job market and vocational training.
- Lack of Support Infrastructure
- Fact: Cumbersome licensing and inadequate resources stifle entrepreneurship (Economic Survey of India).
- Highlight the need for supportive policies to encourage new ventures.
- Disguised Unemployment in Agriculture
- Fact: Nearly 42% of the workforce is in agriculture, often at low productivity (Ministry of Agriculture).
- Discuss the limitations of agricultural employment and the need for diversification.
Future Job Prospects
- IT-Driven Services
- Discuss how this sector has emerged as a major job creator.
- Gig Economy
- Explain the role of gig jobs in providing opportunities for unskilled labor.
- Food Processing
- Highlight potential growth in rural economies through food processing initiatives.
- Technology-Driven Jobs
- Discuss the rise of new industries like robotics and freelance software development.
- Manufacturing Sector
- Emphasize the need for high-demand manufacturing jobs (e.g., electronics, defence).
- Mention potential sectors for investment and growth.
Conclusion
- Summarize Key Points
- Reiterate the challenges and potential job sources discussed.
- Call to Action
- Stress the need for reforms in skill development, labor laws, and infrastructure to leverage the demographic dividend effectively.
India’s Demographic Dividend vs. Employability Challenges:
1. Missing Aspects in Demographic Dividend Discourse:
2. Sources of Jobs for India’s Growing Workforce:
Recent Example:
Conclusion: While India’s demographic dividend presents a promising opportunity, the dropping rates of employability and skill mismatches highlight critical issues. To address these challenges and create the necessary jobs, India must focus on enhancing skills through education, investing in industrial and service sectors, fostering entrepreneurship, and expanding infrastructure development.
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity: a large working-age population poised to drive economic growth. However, this potential is undermined by significant challenges, particularly concerning employability and unemployment rates. As we highlight the demographic dividend, we often overlook the critical obstacles that hinder job creation.
Challenges of India’s Demographic Dividend
Lack of Skill Sets
Despite rising education levels, the workforce lacks essential job-oriented skills. A 2021 report by the National Skill Development Corporation revealed that only 20% of graduates possess employable skills, highlighting a gap between education and industry needs.
Unorganised Sector
A significant portion of the workforce operates in the unorganised sector, characterized by low wages and limited social security. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, about 90% of India’s workforce is engaged in this sector, which stifles economic security and growth.
Female Labour Force Participation
Although female literacy has improved, marketable skills remain elusive. The World Bank notes that female participation in the workforce has declined to around 23%, indicating systemic barriers such as inadequate access to vocational training.
Infrastructure Deficiencies
Entrepreneurship is hampered by a lack of supportive infrastructure. According to the Economic Survey of India, cumbersome licensing processes and inadequate resources deter potential business ventures.
Disguised Unemployment in Agriculture
Many unskilled workers remain in agriculture due to limited opportunities in other sectors. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that nearly 42% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, often without adequate productivity.
Job Prospects for the Future
The future job landscape in India lies primarily in sectors such as:
Conclusion
To harness the demographic dividend effectively, India must prioritize skill development, reform labor laws, and enhance infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, we can turn the demographic potential into a robust employment reality, driving sustainable economic growth.
Roadmap for Answer Writing