Crisis of Mobility Among Indian Youth: Education, Employment & Social Mobility Challenges

Context: The issue is not a crisis of aspiration but a crisis of mobility, where hard work and education do not necessarily lead to improved social or economic positions.

Crisis of Mobility: This occurs when individuals strive to progress but remain stuck in disadvantaged conditions. For example, a poor student may gain education yet continue to face economic hardship due to limited opportunities.

Background – LPG Reforms (1991): Economic reforms created a promise that hard work, skills, and adherence to rules would ensure a better life than the previous generation. This led to rural migration to cities, investment in education, and the rise of coaching culture. However, limited quality jobs have generated frustration.

Reasons Behind Youth Frustration:

• Education–Employment Gap: Many youth hold degrees but lack employable skills, while delays in exams, paper leaks, and limited vacancies add uncertainty.

• Social Mobility Factor: Government jobs are seen not just as careers but as pathways to economic security and upward mobility.

Jobless Growth: Economic growth has not translated into sufficient job creation. Employment opportunities, income security, and stability matter more than GDP expansion. According to ILO 2024, a large share of India’s unemployed are young workers, highlighting the disconnect between growth and jobs.

Institutional Integrity Crisis: Institutions are like national infrastructure, requiring transparency and trust. Declining confidence due to exam leaks, corruption, and weak recruitment systems undermines governance and youth aspirations.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen Institutions: Transparent recruitment through digital monitoring and biometric verification.

• Employment-Oriented Policies: Focus on MSMEs, textiles, and manufacturing to generate jobs.

• Reduce Economic Uncertainty: Expand health insurance, crop insurance, and skill development programs.

• Harness Demographic Dividend: Ensure quality education, skill development, healthcare, and employment opportunities to benefit from India’s young population.