Context:Context: In this series, we share some of the insights from our studies: the Youth Study 2016 and the National Election Surveys 2019 (NES Pre-poll & Post-poll 2019).

• The median age of the Indian population— the age that divides the population into two equal halves — was 28.4 in 2020. 
• While this created the image of a “younger” population and a productive workforce, the grim side is their expectations of the state — especially access to quality education, and job opportunities. 

Topmost concern for young Indians

• In the Youth Study 2016, when asked about the biggest problem in India, one-fifth (19%) of the youth identified Employment as the topmost concern. 

After three years, in the NES Pre-poll 2019, an even higher proportion — 25% — of young Indians reported jobs as the most important issue while voting in the Lok Sabha elections. 

• This proportion was higher in the central (29%) and northern (34%) parts of the country, mostly comprising Hindi-speaking states, than in the south (16%). The states of Delhi (50%), Telangana (40%), Haryana (39%) and Punjab (36%) stood out.

The NES Pre-poll 2019 had two more questions, highlighting the seriousness of this issue. 

• First, asked if employment opportunities had increased or decreased during the last 5 years of NDA rule at the Centre, 45% said they had decreased, and 28% said they had increased. 
• Second, asked if it had become more difficult or less difficult to find a new job during the last 3-4 years, half (49%) said it had become even more difficult (Figures 1 & 2).

The picture was quite similar across villages (49%), towns (49%), and cities (51%), indicating this was a major concern throughout India. This points to a dismal state of employment in India, with the unemployment rate rising further due to Covid-19 and the lockdown.

Road Ahead

• The median age in India is projected to increase to 38 by 2050, close to where more developed countries stand today. This is the time when the state needs to maximise its efforts, ensuring the Indian youth develop the necessary skills and then providing them with a stage to explore their potential.