For India’s 15 to 34-yr-olds, top concern is jobs, economic struggle: What Lokniti-CSDS’s latest survey reveals
Context- More than one in three (36%) Indians between the ages of 15 and 34 believe unemployment is the biggest problem before the country. About one in six (16%) think it is poverty, and 13% think it is inflation.
These findings, which are part of a report released by Lokniti-CSDS earlier this month, suggest that the youth identify challenges relating to the economy as the most significant facing the nation. The report offers insights into career aspirations, job preferences, and expectations of younger Indians. About 6% of respondents identified corruption as the most significant challenge.
Concerns over jobs
- The proportion of youth identifying unemployment as the biggest problem has increased by 18 percentage points from the results of a similar survey in 2016. The share of those identifying price rise as the primary concern has increased by 7 percentage points.
- While the data from the 2023 survey — conducted in 18 states with a sample of 9,316 respondents — show unemployment as a significant concern across all economic classes, it is particularly pronounced among middle-class youth.
- Also, as many as 40% of highly educated respondents (graduate and above) identified unemployment as the most pressing concern. In contrast, only 27% of non-literate individuals cited unemployment as their primary concern, likely due to their greater willingness to take on a range of jobs.
(Credits- Indian Express)
Occupational status
- Almost half of respondents (49%) said they were engaged in some form of work — 40% had full-time jobs; 9% were working part-time. Almost a fourth (23%) of youth with jobs were self-employed. Sixteen per cent were professionals such as doctors or engineers,15% were involved in agriculture, and semi-unskilled and skilled workers made up 27% of the total. Only 6% were in government jobs
(Credits- Indian Express)
- About 20% of working youth chose their job out of an interest; an almost equal proportion (18%) took the only option they had.
Job aspirations
- Asked what their ideal occupation would be if they had the freedom to choose, almost 16% of youth mentioned jobs in the health sector, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical staff
(Credits- Indian Express)
Govt job vs Private jobs
- Asked to choose from a government job, a private job, or setting up their own business, three out of five respondents chose government jobs, and more than one out of four opted for own business.
(Credits- Indian Express)
Conclusion- The preference for setting up an own business has grown consistently over this period — from 16% in 2007 to 27% in 2023. However, a more effective business ecosystem needs to be nurtured going forward to make a significant dent on employment.
Syllabus- GS-2; Employment
Source- Indian Express