Population Foundation of India: India’s Population at a Turning Point, not in Crisis

Redirect the emphasis towards reproductive rights, gender equality, and inclusive development.

Enable young people, particularly young women, to make educated decisions regarding their lives and families.

Consider the demographic shift as a chance rather than a danger—invest in education, healthcare, and skills development.

India's Population Advantage

Demographic Dividend: It signifies the economic growth capacity that arises from changes in a population's age composition, particularly when the proportion of the working-age population (15 to 64 years old) exceeds that of the non-working-age population (14 or younger and 65 or older).

The alteration in age composition is usually caused by a decrease in fertility and death rates.

India's Demographic Advantage: India, having a substantial and youthful population, is presently undergoing a demographic advantage.

Between 2020 and 2050, India is anticipated to increase the working-age population by an additional 183 million individuals.

The dividend is projected to reach its highest point around 2041 (when the working age demographic will constitute 59% of India's population) and is anticipated to continue until 2055.

Information regarding the Aging Population in India

According to the India Ageing Report 2023, the proportion of individuals aged 60 and above is expected to rise from 10.5% in 2022 to 20.8% by 2050.

By the century's end, seniors will make up more than 36% of the nation's overall population.

Eighty Plus Years Population: The number of individuals aged 80 and over is projected to increase by approximately 279% from 2022 to 2050, predominantly consisting of widowed and highly reliant elderly women.

Challenges Faced by India

Unemployment: To realize the demographic dividend, the nation needs to ensure productive jobs for the 7-8 million young people entering the workforce annually.

In 2022, approximately 29% of graduates were unemployed, whereas the rate for individuals who are illiterate was merely 3.4%.

Education and Skill Disparity: More than 40% of the nation’s young people are educated below the secondary level, and only 4% have access to vocational education.

Gender Disparity: Women’s involvement in the labor market stays fairly low, restricting the overall capacity of the economy.

Unemployed Growth: Economic expansion hasn’t generated corresponding job opportunities.

More than 80% of India’s labor force is employed in the informal sector, without security and benefits.

New technologies are decreasing the need for low-skilled workers.

Neglect of Mental Health: Young people are encountering increasing problems with anxiety, depression, and stress, lacking sufficient support structures.

Regional Disparities: Southern regions are experiencing a quicker aging process, whereas northern regions boast younger demographics but possess inferior infrastructure.

Young people from struggling areas move to cities, putting pressure on urban infrastructure and resulting in underemployment.

Actions

Skill Development: Initiatives such as the Skill India Mission seek to offer training and certification to countless young individuals, improving their job prospects across multiple industries.

Education Reforms: Initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of primary and secondary education through the implementation of the new Education Policy 2020.

Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat: These programs aim to promote local manufacturing, generate employment opportunities, and improve industrial capabilities to accommodate the increasing labor force.

Start-up Environment: The Startup India initiative promotes entrepreneurial ventures, offering assistance to emerging innovators and generating fresh job prospects.

Digital Infrastructure: Enhancing internet connectivity and digital skills through initiatives such as Digital India to establish opportunities for young people in technology and digital industries. =

Enhancements in Healthcare: Initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat strive to increase healthcare accessibility and results.