Context: India’s youth are seen as the country’s greatest strength in driving the vision of a developed nation by 2047. 

About the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. 

• The Viksit Bharat @2047 initiative envisions a developed India by the centenary of independence, focusing on inclusive development, sustainable progress, and effective governance, with youth playing a central role. 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that youth are both the agents and beneficiaries of change. 

Strategy

• The Union Budget 2024-25 outlines a comprehensive strategy to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’ by focusing on nine key priorities that aim to create abundant opportunities for all citizens.

1. Productivity and resilience in Agriculture

2. Employment & Skilling

3. Inclusive Human Resource Development and Social Justice

4. Manufacturing & Services

5. Urban Development 

6. Energy Security

7. Infrastructure

8. Innovation, Research & Development and

9. Next Generation Reforms

Various Steps Taken

• National Policy on Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (NPSDE) bridges gaps and expands apprenticeship opportunities.

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has trained 1.42 crore individuals since 2015.

• Focus on Green Hydrogen and the PM Vishwakarma initiative to upskill diverse populations.

• The Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) focuses on long-term vocational training, with significant female participation.

• The Ministry of Youth Affairs has transformed the National Youth Festival into the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. This initiative aims to empower the youth to contribute to India’s development in a holistic manner. 

• Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): Digitalisation has modernised land records in rural India, resolving conflicts, reducing fraud, and enhancing transparency in land management.

• APAAR ID: A digital academic identity for students, enabling smooth transitions and recognition of prior learning, facilitating educational opportunities and outcomes.

• 5G Connectivity and Inclusivity: India’s digital transformation includes bringing 5G connectivity to remote areas, ensuring accessibility and promoting inclusivity across sectors like manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and agriculture.

• PRAGATI Platform: A platform for real-time monitoring of projects worth ?18 lakh crore, ensuring timely implementation and efficient governance.

• Aspirational Districts Program: Digital tools are used to address challenges in backward regions, promoting inclusive growth and development.

Key Challenges

• Economic Inequality: The stark economic disparity that exists between various regions, communities, and income groups.

• Skill Development and Education:  A large proportion of the youth still lacks the skills required for a rapidly changing job market, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and sustainable industries.

• Moreover, the educational infrastructure in rural areas remains inadequate, leaving many students without access to high-quality learning. 

• Climate Change: The country faces serious environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change impacts. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural practices have put significant pressure on natural resources.

• Governance and Corruption: Corruption and inefficiencies in public administration remain pervasive in many areas.

• This hampers progress and delays essential reforms. 

• Technological Impacts: Advancements in AI and technology boost productivity but pose risks such as labor market disruptions and income inequality.

Conclusion 

• India’s path to Viksit Bharat is paved with comprehensive initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive growth, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable development. 

• By addressing key challenges and leveraging its demographic dividend, India is poised to achieve its vision of becoming a developed nation.

• Strengthening institutions, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability at all levels of government are vital for creating a stable and thriving nation. 

• The journey towards Viksit Bharat is not just a government mandate but a collective mission that involves every citizen, industry, and institution working towards a brighter and more prosperous future.