Lokniti- CSDS Survey of Youth

This comprehensive survey on Indian youth has been conducted by Lokniti and Center for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) in partnership with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). Through this survey, an attempt has been made to understand various aspects of youth in India like job, education, social relations, lifestyle and physical-mental health of the youth.

Lokniti-CSDS conducted this survey in 18 states (Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand, Assam, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Delhi). Done among 9316 youth aged between 15 to 34 years. Fieldwork for the survey was done in November and December 2022. In this survey, when the youth were asked about the biggest problem in the country, they put unemployment at the top.

Why In News?

Lokniti-CSDS has released a survey that offers insights into youth’s career aspirations, job preferences, and expectations.

About:

Occupation status: Two-fifths (39%) of India’s youth identify themselves as students. While more young men (39%) compared to young women (11%) were working, a higher proportion of young women (42%) were studying than young men (36%).
Employment: More than half (55%) said they would prefer a government job; a quarter (24%) would prefer to start their own business.
Many youth are now marrying at a later age than before. The study indicates that the proportion of married youth has decreased by 13 percentage points since 2007 and five percentage points since 2016. In the present study, 42% said they are married.
Youth showed a greater acceptance for the idea of inter-caste marriage than for inter-religious marriage.
Mental health: The study found that the family’s financial security worried the youth the most, followed by their own health. About six in ten (56%) worried about their jobs, and more than half (54%) about their physical appearance.

Status of Youth Population:

India has more than 50% of its population below the age of 25 and more than 65% below the age of 35.

India is home to a fifth of the world’s youth demographic and this population advantage could play a critical role in achieving the nation’s ambitious target to become a USD 5 trillion economy.

Note: There is no universally agreed international definition of the youth age group. In India, as per National Youth Policy 2014, the persons between the age group of 15 and 29 years are considered youth. Several UN entities, instruments, and regional organizations have differing definitions of youth:

Opportunities:

Human Capital Investment: India’s youth population is a potential demographic dividend, which means if harnessed correctly, it can contribute significantly to economic growth.
- A youthful population provides an opportunity to focus on education and skill development, creating a highly skilled workforce that can meet the demands of various industries.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The youth are often more open to innovation, new technologies, and entrepreneurship.
- They can drive the development of new industries and start-ups, fostering economic diversification.
- Also, with a significant portion of India’s population engaged in agriculture, youth involvement in modernizing and optimizing farming practices through technology and sustainable methods can lead to increased agricultural productivity.
Digital Connectivity: India’s youth are tech-savvy and can play a crucial role in adopting and promoting digital technologies, contributing to the growth of the digital economy.
Social Change and Activism: Young people are often at the forefront of social and political change.
- They can drive positive social movements, advocate for change, and raise awareness about critical issues.
- Underemployment and Skill Mismatch: While unemployment is often discussed, underemployment and skill mismatch are equally pressingissues. Many young Indians find jobs that are below their skill levels or do not align with their education.
  - This not only leads to dissatisfaction but also hampers productivity and economic growth.
- Mental Health and Stigma: Mental health problems among the youth are on the rise, yet there is a significant stigma associated with seeking help.
  - This stigma is deeply ingrained in Indian society and can discourage young people from accessing proper care.
- Digital Divide within Youth: While India has a large and growing youth population, access to digital technology is still uneven.
  - This digital divide creates disparities in education, employment opportunities, and access to information.
- Gender Inequality and Traditional Norms: Despite progress, gender inequality remains a significant concern.
  - Traditional norms and patriarchal attitudes persist, affecting young women’s education, employment, and agency.
- Political Apathy and Youth Representation: Despite comprising a substantial portion of the population, the youth in India often feel disconnected from the political process.
  - This leads to inadequate representation of their concerns and aspirations.

Challenges:

Underemployment and Skill Mismatch: While unemployment is often discussed, underemployment and skill mismatch are equally pressingissues. Many young Indians find jobs that are below their skill levels or do not align with their education.
- This not only leads to dissatisfaction but also hampers productivity and economic growth.
Mental Health and Stigma: Mental health problems among the youth are on the rise, yet there is a significant stigma associated with seeking help.
- This stigma is deeply ingrained in Indian society and can discourage young people from accessing proper care.
Digital Divide within Youth: While India has a large and growing youth population, access to digital technology is still uneven.
- This digital divide creates disparities in education, employment opportunities, and access to information.
Gender Inequality and Traditional Norms: Despite progress, gender inequality remains a significant concern.
- Traditional norms and patriarchal attitudes persist, affecting young women’s education, employment, and agency.
Political Apathy and Youth Representation: Despite comprising a substantial portion of the population, the youth in India often feel disconnected from the political process.
- This leads to inadequate representation of their concerns and aspirations.

About Lokniti

Lokniti is a research programme of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) established in 1997.
- Since its inception in 1963, the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies has been recognised as one of the leading intellectual institutions of the global south.
It houses a cluster of research initiatives that seeks to engage with national and global debates on democratic politics by initiating empirically grounded yet theoretically oriented studies.

Way Forward

Integrated Skill Ecosystem: There is a need to develop a comprehensive skill ecosystem that combines formal education with experiential learning, apprenticeships, and online platforms.
- This can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enhancing employability.
Gamified Civic Engagement Platforms: Develop gamified mobile applications that engage youth in civic activities and political processes.
- By turning civic participation into an interactive and rewarding experience, these platforms can encourage more informed voting, increase political awareness, and foster a sense of ownership in governance.
Entrepreneurship in Traditional Crafts: Foster entrepreneurship among young artisans by combining traditional crafts with modern design and marketing techniques.
- This could involve creating platforms for selling handcrafted products online, preserving cultural heritage while generating income for youth in rural areas.
Youth Diplomacy and Cultural Exchanges: Facilitate cultural exchanges between young people from India and other countries to foster global understanding, diplomacy, and cross-border friendships.
- The Y20 Summit can facilitate this.