EMPOWERING AND NURTURING THE YUVA SHAKTI
Empowering the youth involves providing them with the necessary resources, opportunities, and support to realize their full potential and contribute positively to society
In the realm of youth development, education serves as the foundation for intellectual growth and critical thinking, while sports foster holistic development, instilling values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Skill development equips youth with the practical competencies needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Employment opportunities offer avenues for economic independence and self-sufficiency, Together, these pillars form the cornerstone of empowering and nurturing the Yuva Shakti towards a brighter future.
Transforming Education and Nurturing Talent
In the pursuit of building a bright and empowered future for the youth of India, the Government has undertaken a series of ambitious initiatives focused on education and skill development. Central to these efforts is the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, a comprehensive framework aimed at bringing about structural reforms across all levels of education.
PM SHRI (Schools for Rising India): To ensure quality education and holistic growth at the grassroots level, the Government has embarked on the establishment of over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools, out of which more than 6000 schools have started functioning.
1. These schools will be qualitatively strengthened to showcase the various aspects of the National Education Policy, 2020 and to emerge as exemplar schools in their regions, which will further mentor schools in a given region with an aim to amplify the excellence of these schools and develop the quality standards of the PM SHRI Schools within these schools.
2. Higher Education Institutional Growth and Access The past decade has witnessed a remarkable expansion of institutions of higher learning, including the establishment of 7 IITs, 16 IIITs, 8 IIMs and 385 universities.
3. This surge in educational infrastructure is geared towards equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive India’s prosperity in the 21st century. A similar expansion can be seen in medical education. Fueling the aspirations of the youth, the last decade saw the establishment of 16 AIIMS and 319 medical colleges, while there were 7 AIIMS and less than 390 medical colleges in the country up to 2014. The number of MBBS seats has more than doubled in the past decade. Further, plans are underway for additional medical colleges using existing hospital infrastructure to expand opportunities for the youth. The commitment to healthcare education is evident with 157 nursing colleges, cultivating a vibrant medical workforce.
4. This youth-centric approach propels dreams and transforms healthcare education into an exciting journey for the future doctors of our nation.
Gender Inclusivity and Social Empowerment: Total enrollment in higher education has risen from 3.4 crore students in 2014 to 4.1 crore in 2023. A significant milestone is the increased dominance of girls in higher education, with the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) soaring to 27.9% in 2020 from 12.7% in FY10. This transformative trend, where female GER surpassed male GER since FY18, marks a new era. Additionally, efforts by the Government have contributed to reducing the dropout rate across the country. These initiatives have particularly benefited marginalized communities, with notable increases in enrollment rates for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students.
Significant Advancements
The Samagra Shiksha initiative has made significant strides from 2018-19 to 2023-24, upgrading schools, opening new residential schools, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting vocational education. Detail of the same is as follows:
● 3,062 schools upgraded at Elementary, Secondary and Higher Secondary level.
● 235 new residential schools and hostels opened
● 97,364 schools strengthened, including additional classrooms
● 1.2 lakh Schools covered under ICT and digital initiatives
● 8,619 Schools covered under Vocational Education
● 28,447 Separate girls’ toilets constructed
Further, the PM POSHAN Scheme Guidelines have undergone comprehensive revisions, focusing on key areas such as:
● Social Audit conducted in 32 States and Union Territories, covering 40,748 schools in 626 districts
● School Nutrition Gardens (SNGs) developed in about 4.11 lakh schools
● Supplementary Nutrition prioritized in Aspirational districts and areas with high malnutrition burdens
● Health Check-ups conducted for about 7 crore students under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
Digital Learning and Innovations in Education : The expansion of digital learning through platforms like Swayam Prabha and MOOCs, with 200 channels having more than 13,000 content modules produced for telecast in 31 languages. Such initiatives are bridging gaps and democratizing access to education.
The NIPUN Bharat Mission, aiming for universal foundational literacy and numeracy by 2026-27, reinforces the commitment to holistic learning.
Further, the Government has introduced innovative measures like the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCFFS) and Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH) for building learning teaching material (Jadui Pitara) and implementing activities for student assessment respectively.
The Government of India has also approved ULLAS that talks of “Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society”. It is a scheme that aims to empower adults aged 15 years and above from all backgrounds who could not get due schooling and mainstream them with society to be able to contribute more to the growth story of the country.
Emphasis on Mother Tongue and Language Inclusivity : One of the pivotal aspects of the National Education Policy is the emphasis on education in mother tongues and Indian languages. This inclusive approach extends to professional courses like engineering, medicine, and law, fostering a multilingual learning environment that connects students to their roots while preparing them for diverse careers. India’s education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, thanks to the Government’s unwavering commitment to empowering its youth. The multifaceted approach, encompassing language inclusivity, institutional growth, gender empowerment, and technological advancements, positions India on the path to becoming a global knowledge hub, nurturing a generation capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
A Comprehensive Overview of Skill Development Initiatives
In a rapidly evolving global economy, empowering youth through skill development initiatives is paramount for a nation’s progress. India, with its burgeoning youth population, has recognized the significance of equipping its young workforce with relevant skills to thrive in the modern job market.
Over the years, several Government-led schemes and initiatives have been implemented to nurture talent, foster innovation, and promote entrepreneurship among the youth.
Skill India Mission : Complementing Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is the Skill India Mission, launched in 2015 to upskill and reskill the youth to meet the demands of a dynamic job market. Through this mission, 1.4 crore youth have been trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), out of which 24 lakh individuals have been placed and 54 lakh individuals have undergone upskilling and reskilling programs.
A significant milestone in India’s skill development journey is the launch of the Skill India Digital platform in September 2023, aiming at ‘ease of acquiring skill’ in India. Additionally, the establishment of 3000 new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) has further bolstered the nation’s skill development infrastructure.
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship : Promoting innovation and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among the youth is the Atal Innovation Mission. With the establishment of 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country, more than 1 crore students are actively engaged in innovation-driven activities, laying the foundation for a culture of creativity and problem-solving.
The Craftsmen Training Scheme, which has trained 1.1 crore individuals at ITIs between 2014 and 2022, and entrepreneurship training for 2 lakh beneficiaries between April 2018 and March 2023, is instrumental in nurturing talent and fostering self-reliance among the youth.
There are now 33 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) (19 are exclusively for Women) and 3 Extension Centers operational.
Bridging the Gap between Education and Industry
Recognizing the importance of hands-on training, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme has engaged over 28 lakh apprentices till December 2023.6 This initiative bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing youth for real-world challenges in their chosen fields.
The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched in September 2023, aims to provide comprehensive support to artisans and craftspeople, including skill upgradation and access to collateral-free concessional loans. So far, 1.39 crore applications and 6.51 lakh successful registrations have been witnessed under the scheme.
International Recognition
India’s commitment to skill development is further underscored by its rising position in World Skills Competitions, from 39th place in 2011 to 11th place in 2022. This upward trajectory reflects the tangible outcomes of the nation’s efforts in nurturing talent and honing skills across various sectors.
In conclusion, skill development initiatives in India have emerged as a cornerstone of youth empowerment and economic growth. Through concerted efforts and innovative programmes, the nation is equipping its youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive global landscape. As India continues to invest in skill development, it not only unlocks the potential of its youth but also propels the nation towards inclusive growth and prosperity.
Empowering Employment and Entrepreneurship
The Government has embarked on a transformative journey aimed at empowering the youth through employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. In recent years, multifaceted strategies and initiatives by the Government, coupled with economic policies, have led to notable advancements in youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial Empowerment
The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PM Mudra Yojana) stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs. The scheme has sanctioned 43 crore loans aggregating to Rs. 22.5 lakh crore for the entrepreneurial aspirations of our youth. From small-scale enterprises to innovative start-ups, PM Mudra Yojana has been instrumental in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship across the nation.
Besides that, Start-Up India, Fund of Funds, and Start-Up Credit Guarantee schemes are assisting our youth. They are now becoming ‘rozgardata’. Sustained efforts by the Government have led to an increase in the number of startups to 1,21,013 as on date. These recognized startups are reported to have created over 12.42 lakh direct jobs.
Positive Trends in Youth Employment
Over the years, youth employment has been rising in tandem with the youth population. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the youth (age 15-29 years) unemployment rate has declined from 17.8 percent in 2017-18 to 10 8 percent in 2022-23, while youth LFPR (Labor Force Participation Rate) has expanded from 38.2% to 44.5% over the same period.
For the proportion of employed youth to rise from 31% to 40.1% in these six years is a feat for a populous country on the upside of a demographic transition.
Further, the WPR (Work Population Ratio) in the age group 15-29 has increased from 31.4 percent in 2017-18 to 40.1 percent in 2022-23. This implies an additional 35 million people have found work.
Additionally, the addition of over 1.38 crore members to EPFO in the fiscal year 2022- 23 reflects the growing employment opportunities for India’s youth, in line with the nation’s vision for a thriving workforce.
Furthermore, a historic stride was taken towards fulfilling the promise of 10 lakh Government jobs through Rozgar Mela, with more than 8 lakh already recruited in 12 editions.
Atal Incubation Centers (AIC) have also contributed by creating over 32,000 jobs.
State-level Dynamics
At the state level, the decline in the youth unemployment rate has been led by the states with a larger share of the young population such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar (with 3.5 crore youth), and Madhya Pradesh (with 2.3 crore youth). For instance, UP’s youth unemployment rate has declined from 16.7 percent in 2017-18 to 7 percent in 2022-23, accompanied by a rise in youth LFPR from 33.7 percent to 41.4 percent in the corresponding period.
Thus, the states driving the youth bulge are also leading the rise in youth employment. Further, according to India Skills Report 2023, the employable percentage of final-year and pre-final-year students has increased from 33.9 percent in 2014 to 51.3 percent in 2024. Combined with the rising enrolment in higher education (from 3.2 crore in 2013-14 to 4.1 crore in 2020-21), rising employability implies that India’s young workforce is both expanding and becoming increasingly employable.
India’s journey towards empowering its youth with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities is a testament to its commitment to inclusive growth and development. By leveraging the digital revolution, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing employability, the nation has unlocked the potential of its youth, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
India’s Sporting Spirit Igniting Passion
In recent years, India’s sporting landscape has undergone a profound transformation, marked by unprecedented achievements, growing infrastructure, and a burgeoning sports economy. This renaissance, fuelled by the passion and dedication of the nation’s youth, reflects a paradigm shift in India’s approach to sports.
The Rise of Sporting Icons : The country is proud of its youth scaling new heights in sports. The highest-ever medal tally in Asian Games and Asian Para Games in 2023 reflects a high confidence level. From clinching historic medal tallies at prestigious international events to showcasing exceptional talent in individual sports like chess, Indian athletes have consistently defied odds and shattered barriers. The emergence of young prodigies like Praggnanandhaa and the exponential growth in the number of chess grandmasters underscore India’s growing dominance in strategic sports.
Government Support and Policy Initiatives : The creation of India’s first National Sports University, building more than 300 prestigious academies in the country under the Khelo India campaign, 1,000 Khelo India centres and more than 30 centres of excellence are transforming the sports culture in the country.
In the National Education Policy of the country 2020, sports have been made a part of the main curriculum helping create awareness about choosing sports as a career in childhood itself.
Paving the Way Towards Brighter Sports Future
India’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity in athletics continues to be evident through initiatives like the Beach Games 2024 and the Khelo India Para Games. The Beach Games, held in January 2024 in Diu, marked a significant milestone in India’s sporting history, bringing together 1600 athletes for the first-ever multi-sports beach event in the country.16 Similarly, the first-ever Khelo India Para Games held in Delhi in December 2023 exemplified India’s commitment to providing opportunities for para-athletes to shine on the national stage. With over 1450 para-athletes from across 32 states and Union Territories competing in seven disciplines, the Khelo India Para Games underscored the importance of inclusivity and empowerment in the sporting arena.
Sports as a Driver of Economic Growth
Beyond the realm of competition, sports have emerged as a powerful driver of economic growth and employment generation. The sports economy in India is witnessing unprecedented growth, fuelled by increasing investments, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. The expansion of sports goods manufacturing, sports apparel, and sports tourism sectors has created a plethora of job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
In conclusion, India’s sporting renaissance is a testament to the indomitable spirit, resilience, and passion of its youth. By harnessing the transformative power of sports, India is not only realizing its athletic potential but also fostering holistic development, national pride, and economic prosperity.
As we reflect on the youth-centric developments in India, it becomes evident that empowering the nation’s youth is not merely a goal but a collective responsibility. Through transformative initiatives in education, skill development, employment, and sports, the Government has laid the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future.
From establishing PM Shri Vidyalayas to fostering innovation through Atal Tinkering Labs, from expanding healthcare education to promoting entrepreneurship, India’s youth are being equipped with the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Moreover, the rise of initiatives like ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ underscores the importance of collective action and youth participation in nation-building. With about 1.45 crore youth connected through this initiative, ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ is catalyzing the aspirations and energy of the youth towards Viksit Bharat.
