Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative. What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable?
Introduction
India is poised to reap its demographic dividend, with over 65% of its population under the age of 35. However, this potential can only be realized if the workforce is educated, skilled, and employable. Recognizing this, the government has implemented a range of measures to enhance the productivity and employability of its population.
Value Addition Block — Key Dimensions of Capacity Building
Education Reforms to Enhance Productivity
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National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
- Focuses on universal access to quality education, multidisciplinary learning, and vocational training from school level.
- Introduced digital initiatives like DIKSHA and SWAYAM for e-learning.
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Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan:
- Aims to improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and learning outcomes.
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Higher Education Reforms:
- Establishment of HECI (Higher Education Commission of India) to regulate quality.
- Promotion of research and innovation through schemes like IMPRINT and SPARC.
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Digital Literacy:
- Programs like PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan) aim to make 6 crore rural households digitally literate.
Skill Development Initiatives
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Skill India Mission:
- Launched in 2015 to train over 40 crore people by 2022.
- Includes Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which provides short-term skill training and certification.
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National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS):
- Encourages industries to hire apprentices by providing financial incentives.
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Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS):
- Focuses on skill development for non-literate and neo-literate individuals in rural areas.
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Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
- Promotes a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation through Tinkering Labs and Incubation Centers.
Awareness and Health as Productivity Enablers
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Ayushman Bharat:
- Provides health insurance to over 10 crore families, ensuring a healthy workforce.
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POSHAN Abhiyaan:
- Tackles malnutrition, especially among children and women, to improve cognitive and physical development.
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National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):
- Focuses on mental well-being, a critical factor for productivity.
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Awareness Campaigns:
- Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Jan Andolan for COVID-19 promote social awareness and responsible behavior.
Creativity and Innovation
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Startup India:
- Provides tax benefits, funding support, and ease of doing business for startups.
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National Innovation Foundation (NIF):
- Encourages grassroots innovation and creativity.
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Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan:
- Promotes scientific temper and innovation among school students.
Social Inclusion for Equitable Growth
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Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY):
- Focuses on skill development for rural youth, especially women and marginalized groups.
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Stand-Up India:
- Provides loans to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs to promote inclusivity in economic growth.
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Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS):
- Enhances educational access for tribal children.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Implementation: Ensure effective execution of existing schemes through better monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
- Focus on Emerging Skills: Promote training in AI, robotics, and green technologies to align with future job markets.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Leverage industry expertise for skill development and innovation.
- Regional Customization: Tailor programs to address regional disparities in education and employment.
Conclusion
India’s demographic dividend is a time-sensitive opportunity. By aligning its policies with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the government can transform its young population into a global workforce, driving economic growth and social progress.