Indian Youth’s Journey from Education to Decent Work

Issues and Challenges

verfasst von: Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Verlag: Springer Nature Singapore

Buchreihe : India Studies in Business and Economics

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Über dieses Buch

Dieses Buch geht den komplizierten Herausforderungen nach, vor denen die indische Jugend steht, wenn sie in den Arbeitsmarkt eintritt. Es untersucht wichtige Aspekte des Weges junger Menschen von der Schule zum Arbeitsmarkt, bietet Einblicke in den aktuellen Status und Strategien zur Nutzung der demografischen Dividende, überbrückt die Kluft zwischen Angebot und Nachfrage auf dem Arbeitsmarkt, geht auf das Problem der Diskrepanz zwischen Qualifikationen ein und geht die Herausforderung inaktiver oder untätiger Jugendlicher in Indien an. Das Buch stützt sich auf die Analyse einer breiten Palette von Datenquellen, darunter Statistiken von Organisationen wie der Internationalen Arbeitsorganisation (ILO) und den World Development Indicators (WDI) der Weltbank, sowie Daten aus Umfragen wie Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) und Employment-Arbeitslosenerhebung (EUS), die vom National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) des Ministeriums für Statistik und Programmumsetzung (MoSPI) der indischen Regierung durchgeführt wurden, und Bildungsumfragen wie dem Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), dem School Education Quality Index (SEQI) und den Umfragen der NSSO zum gesellschaftlichen Konsum der Haushalte: Bildung. Diese Daten umfassen einen Zeitraum von über zwei Jahrzehnten, von 2000 bis 2023. Das Buch ist eine wertvolle Ressource für politische Entscheidungsträger, Forscher und jeden, der daran interessiert ist, die komplexen Herausforderungen und Chancen zu verstehen, die mit dem Übergang der indischen Jugend von der Schule zu einer anständigen Beschäftigung verbunden sind. Dieser Übergang ist eng mit der Erreichung der Ziele Nachhaltiger Entwicklung (SDG) 4 und 8 verknüpft; und da Indien die größte Jugendbevölkerung der Welt beherbergt, werden in dem Buch Aspekte eines kritischen Schwerpunkts für Organisationen und Einrichtungen dargestellt, die auf diese globalen Ziele hinarbeiten.

Mit KI übersetzt

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Youth’s Passage from School to Work

Abstract

India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, which can make a significant contribution to the country's economy and development, if they are well-skilled and employed productively. This potential benefit is known as the ‘demographic dividend’. Policymakers and other stakeholders emphasise the importance of providing quality education and job opportunities to exploit the ‘youth bulge’ and achieve ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG4 and SDG 8, which seeks to promote inclusive and equitable quality education, and sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, including young people. However, challenges persist due to annual influx of around 4 million youth into the labour market. While the educational attainment of young people is improving, the number of technically qualified and formally vocationally trained youth remains low, resulting in many educated young people being unemployed or falling into the NEET category. In this context, this chapter provides an overview of the importance of smooth school-to-work transition for youth, relevance of the topic, explores key questions, theoretical concepts, and highlights the main points of each chapter in the book.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Chapter 2. Youth and Demographic Dividends

Abstract

The global population is rising, but age structures differ significantly between developed and developing countries. China's youth population is sharply declining, creating challenges from past policies and demographic shifts. The USA and UK face slower declines, indicating aging population issues. Japan experiences the most severe decline, stressing urgent support for its aging society. India's large youth population presents a significant demographic dividend, impacting GDP growth. However, declining fertility rates and regional variations suggest the youth bulge may close soon. Eastern and northern states will maintain a youth bulge, while southern and western states have saturated. Differentiated regional policies are needed to leverage this demographic dividend. To harness demographic dividends, the chapter highlights critical needs such as increased investment in education and healthcare, the creation of productive job opportunities, relevant skills training, higher capital formation, and addressing gender gaps, among others.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Chapter 3. Youth Education and Skill Levels

Abstract

Harnessing India's demographic dividend involves investing in young people's human capital, focusing on skills and technical training for employment. The education system aims to improve access, quality, and inclusiveness. Primary and upper primary education show commitment with rising Net Enrolment Rates (NER), while secondary education faces high dropout rates needing attention. Higher education's Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is increasing, narrowing gender gaps, but achieving NEP 2020's 50% GER target by 2035 requires accelerated efforts. Indian universities, despite academic strengths, rank poorly globally due to limited international presence. Gender, rural–urban, regional, and economic disparities in educational attainment need addressing for equal opportunities. Technical education is more prevalent in urban areas, certain regions, and higher-income households. Gender gaps in vocational education are evident, with Western regions leading and the Northeast requiring targeted support. ICT skill disparities highlight the need for digital literacy interventions. Analysing the labour force across educational and skill levels, the chapter provides insights into youth employment dynamics, exploring aspirations and the role of apprenticeships in transitioning from school to work.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Chapter 4. Youth Employment and Unemployment Situations

Abstract

This chapter delves into the demand side of the youth labour market, offering an in-depth analysis of youth employment and unemployment. It highlights the quality of employment opportunities for young job entrants, exploring various employment types including formal and informal sectors, and statuses such as regular, casual, and self-employed. Wage levels and earnings are also examined. Additionally, the chapter analyses the industrial distribution of young workers to understand shifts from low-productivity agriculture to higher-productivity industrial and service sectors, indicating structural transformation trends. The concept of decent working conditions is investigated, focusing access to social security benefits, written contracts, and paid leave.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Chapter 5. Linkage Between Youth Education, Skill, and Employment

Abstract

This chapter delves into a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between education, skill training, and youth employment in India. Key findings underscore that higher levels of education often correlate with heightened unemployment rates among young individuals, particularly graduates and technical degree holders. Additionally, youth from lower-income backgrounds experience disproportionately higher unemployment rates compared to their wealthier peers. Employment trends reveal a preference among educated youth for stable, salaried positions, predominantly within the tertiary sector. The chapter identifies persistent skill mismatches as a critical barrier to youth employment, contributing significantly to underemployment and limiting their engagement in the labour market and overall economic productivity. Recommendations put forward include enhancing vocational training programmes to better align with industry demands, fostering the creation of quality employment opportunities suitable for highly educated individuals, advocating for gender-inclusive policies to mitigate disparities, and investing in rural economic development to expand job prospects. These initiatives aim to address current challenges and foster a more equitable and robust employment landscape for India's youth.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Chapter 6. Youth not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET)

Abstract

The youth ‘Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET)’ category are individuals who are disconnected from both educational and employment opportunities, posing significant challenges to global socio-economic development. Globally, NEET rates have fluctuated but remained alarmingly high, affecting over 1.3 billion young people, with females disproportionately represented. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these trends, amplifying unemployment and hindering educational access. This chapter explores the prevalence, trends, and determinants of NEET youth in India. In India, with its vast youth population, NEET rates have risen, particularly among females and those from marginalised backgrounds. Factors contributing to NEET status include educational attainment, gender norms, marital status, and household income levels. Econometric analyses reveal that young females, urban residents, older youth, and individuals from lower-income and marginalised social groups are more likely to be in NEET category. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions to integrate NEET youth into productive employment and educational pathways.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Chapter 7. Labour Market Policies and Youth

Abstract

The education and training system shapes young individuals’ readiness for the labour market, with educational achievement predicting their school-to-work transition. Standardised and differentiated systems ease transitions, reducing job changes. Skill development is influenced by economic growth, technology, investment, and societal norms. Effective labour market policies blend demand-side measures like fiscal stimuli with supply-side strategies to strengthen infrastructure, education, and innovation, vital for sustainable transformation and improving employment in Less Developed Countries. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), established in 2014, oversees bodies like DGT, NCVET, and SSCs, implementing skill programmes, including apprenticeships, to enhance youth employability and entrepreneurship. Challenges persist, including informal sector dominance, skills mismatches, and weak industry ties. Active labour market policies boost skill training, job creation, and placements, leveraging digital platforms to cut recruitment costs. Yet, informal sector employment among youth highlights the need to formalise the labour market for quality work. While strides have been made in skill development and labour policies, sustained efforts are vital to tackle challenges and bridge the skills gap effectively.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Chapter 8. Policy Recommendations for Youth Education, Skill, and Employment

Abstract

India is experiencing a critical demographic transition with a significant youth bulge, presenting both opportunities and challenges for economic growth. Despite increased participation in higher education, issues of low enrolment and poor quality of education persist, particularly in higher education, technical and vocational training. The country faces high youth unemployment rates, with a predominance of self-employment and informal sector jobs offering low earnings and limited social security. Additionally, a substantial digital divide hinders the development of crucial ICT skills necessary for emerging and modern jobs. There is a pressing need for targeted policy interventions to improve education quality, skill training, and employment opportunities, ensuring an inclusive transition from school to work for the Indian youth.

Balwant Singh Mehta, Ishwar Chandra Awasthi

Titel: Indian Youth’s Journey from Education to Decent Work
verfasst von: Balwant Singh Mehta
Ishwar Chandra Awasthi
Verlag: Springer Nature Singapore
Electronic ISBN: 978-981-9644-75-9
Print ISBN: 978-981-9644-74-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4475-9