New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) India boasts the largest youth demographic globally, with 371 million individuals aged between 15 and 29 years, representing approximately 27 percent of the overall population. This segment, often termed a “demographic dividend”, offers a substantial opportunity for economic advancement by broadening the workforce and decreasing dependency ratios.

However, to tap into this potential, various challenges within the job market must be addressed. According to the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the anticipated Unemployment Rate (UR) among youth aged 15-29 in India has fallen from 17.8 percent in 2017-18 to 10.2 percent in 2023-24.

Official employment statistics are obtained via the PLFS, managed by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, with the survey conducted from July to June each year.

Generating employment and enhancing employability are priorities supported by a collaborative effort among various stakeholders.

The Budget 2025-26 highlighted developmental initiatives across ten key sectors, emphasizing support for the underprivileged, youth, farmers, and women.

India has established a committed Department of Youth Affairs, which addresses demographic issues and implements programs like the National Youth Policy to mitigate social and economic challenges while fostering personality development and nation-building.

The National Youth Policy, 2025 envisions a nation where every young individual is empowered, healthy, skilled, socially responsible, and actively engaged in the country’s progress.

It advocates for a vision “To synergize the aspirations of India’s youth with its developmental goals, encouraging harmonious societal growth and harnessing youthful energy for inclusive development, responsible governance, and the attainment of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

In addition, the Ministry of Labour and Employment operates the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, serving as a comprehensive resource for career-related services.

This platform offers insights into both private and government job opportunities, online and offline job fairs, job matching, career counseling, vocational guidance, and information on skill development courses and employability enhancement programs.

These services are accessible through a digital interface, with several other ministries and departments executing programs aimed at employment generation.

Key initiatives include the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

Furthermore, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), and Rural Self Employment and Training Institutes (RSETIs) are among other programs targeting specific demographics. These programs, alongside increased capital expenditure, aim to enhance job creation, particularly for the youth.

Meanwhile, the Skill India Mission (SIM) is focused on preparing youth for future job markets by providing them with relevant industry skills through a vast network of training centers.

Programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS) via ITIs are included. In rural areas, multiple initiatives are encouraging agriculture as a viable career path for young people.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in rural districts to disseminate innovative agricultural technologies through assessment, demonstration, and capacity building among extension workers and local farmers.

Simultaneously, 100 KVKs are executing initiatives like Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA). Additionally, the Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) initiative is in place, while the Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reforms (ATMA) operates in 740 districts to foster a decentralized and farmer-centric extension framework.