NITI Aayog Report Reveals 8.7 Crore Young Indians Out of Education and Employment

A troubling report from the NITI Aayog has revealed that an astounding 8.7 crore individuals aged between 15 and 29 years in India are neither engaged in education, employment, nor training. This alarming statistic highlights a significant challenge for the nation’s future workforce and economic development.

The report, entitled Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047, utilizes data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021. It categorizes the youth into five distinct segments: those enrolled in school, pursuing higher education, engaged in formal or informal employment, women, and the NEET youth—referring to those Not in Education, Employment, or Training. This classification underscores the complexity of the employment landscape facing young Indians.

According to the findings, NEET youth often find themselves trapped by financial constraints and previous educational investments, which hinder their ability to pursue additional training or paid skill development. The report points out that many students face challenges in balancing financial commitments with the pursuit of further education, highlighting the need for accessible training programs that are affordable or subsidized.

NITI Aayog emphasizes that skilling initiatives must be closely aligned with the demands of emerging job sectors and self-employment opportunities. It notes that integrating learning with earning is essential for this demographic. With only 8.25% of college graduates securing jobs that correspond with their qualifications, the report indicates a concerning trend where a lack of practical experience and industry-oriented training is stymying employability, even for those who have completed formal education.

The implications of this report are significant, as India aims to harness its youthful population to drive economic growth. As the nation moves towards its goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047, addressing the needs of NEET youth and enhancing avenues for vocational training and skill development will be crucial. Without targeted interventions, the risk of a lost generation of young talent looms large, posing challenges not only for individual aspirations but for the broader economic landscape as well.

Source: scroll.in