Why in NEWS
World Population Day (11th July) 2025 theme: “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.”
It highlights youth empowerment in sexual and reproductive health decisions.
Key Concepts & Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Demographic Dividend | Economic growth potential from a large working-age population. |
| National Youth Policy (NYP) | Government policy for youth empowerment through education, health, employment, etc. |
| Dependency Ratio | Ratio of non-working (dependents) to working population. |
| Gig Economy | Flexible, freelance, or short-term jobs instead of permanent employment. |
| Child Marriage | Marriage of a girl below 18 or a boy below 21 years of age. |
| NFHS-5 | National Family Health Survey – Round 5, conducted in 2019–21. |
Youth Status in India
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Youth Population | 371 million (UNICEF); 27.2% in 2021, expected to decline to 22.7% by 2036 |
| Nodal Body | Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports |
| Youth Definition (Current) | 15–29 years (as per NYP 2014) |
Evolution of India’s Youth Policy
| Year | Key Features |
|---|---|
| 1988 | First structured policy focused on skill and personality development |
| 2003 | Defined youth as 13–35 years, emphasized patriotism and national unity |
| 2014 | Defined youth as 15–29 years; 5 objectives, 11 priority areas |
| Draft NYP 2024 | Aligned with SDGs and NEP 2020; Vision till 2030 with focus on leadership, health, tech, justice |
Opportunities with India’s Youth Population
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Demographic Dividend | Could add $1 trillion to GDP by 2030 (World Bank, NITI Aayog) |
| Entrepreneurship | Flourishing startups supported by Startup India |
| Global Labour Pool | Young Indian workforce filling global gaps (e.g., Germany, Japan) |
| Social Change | Youth-led movements promoting gender equality (e.g., Pinjra Tod) |
| Democracy Strengthening | Initiatives like NSS, Swachh Bharat involving youth in civic action |
Challenges Faced by Indian Youth
| Challenge | Data/Impact |
|---|---|
| Reproductive Health | 36% unintended pregnancies, 23.3% child marriage (NFHS-5) |
| Gender Inequality | Low participation in education/workforce for young women |
| Mental Health Crisis | 60,700+ youth suicides (2020–22), highest globally |
| Unemployment | Educated youth facing job-skill mismatch and gig economy issues |
| Substance Abuse | Rise in drug addiction, lack of rehab infrastructure |
Government Initiatives for Youth Empowerment
| Initiative | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| National Youth Policy 2014 | Holistic youth development |
| PMKVY | Skill development |
| YUVA Scheme | Author mentorship |
| PM-DAKSH | Skill training for marginalized groups |
| MUDRA Yojana | Financial support for startups |
Steps to Empower Youth Further
| Strategy | Action Points |
|---|---|
| Education Reform | Move from rote to critical thinking, digital literacy, vocational training |
| Skill Development | Promote apprenticeships, upskilling, youth-led startups |
| Healthcare Access | Mental health services, free contraceptives, nutrition security |
| Arts & Sports | Improve rural sports infra, fund young artists, exchange programs |
| Digital Inclusion | Close digital divide, digital skills training, enhance Digital India |
In a Nutshell
Mnemonic: DREAMS
- Digital empowerment
- Reproductive health & rights
- Education and employment
- Access to mental health
- Mobilizing innovation
- Social justice & equity
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following defines ‘youth’ as per the National Youth Policy 2014?
A. 13–35 years
B. 15–29 years
C. 18–30 years
D. 16–24 years - Which of the following is not a priority area under the Draft National Youth Policy 2024?
A. Technology Empowerment
B. Reproductive Health
C. Space Research
D. Leadership Promotion - Which of the following correctly matches the scheme and its focus?
A. PMKVY – Mentorship for writers
B. PM-DAKSH – Skill training for SC/ST/OBC/EWS
C. YUVA – Financial support for startups
D. MUDRA – Health insurance scheme
Mains Practice Questions
- India’s youth are its greatest strength, yet face structural vulnerabilities.
Discuss the measures needed to unlock their full potential. 10 marks (UPSC GS 2) - How can India convert its demographic dividend into a demographic boon in the context of rising unemployment and mental health concerns? 10 marks
Prelims Answer Key with Explanation
| Q. No | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | NYP 2014 defines youth as 15–29 years |
| 2 | C | Space Research is not a listed focus in NYP 2024 draft |
| 3 | B | PM-DAKSH focuses on skilling marginalized groups like SCs, OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs |
