Youth poverty and Unemployment in India

Abstract

Youth poverty and unemployment remain significant challenges in India, limiting individual well-being and hindering inclusive national development. Although the country has a large and increasingly educated youth population, many young people struggle to secure stable and meaningful employment. This situation is influenced by inadequate job creation, unequal access to quality education, limited vocational training, regional disparities, and a persistent mismatch between academic qualifications and labour-market demands. The resulting economic insecurity can contribute to social exclusion, reduced mobility, and diminished opportunities for personal and professional advancement. This paper examines the major causes and consequences of youth poverty and unemployment in India, with particular attention to the relationship between education, employability, and access to decent work. It further considers policy measures such as industry-oriented skill development, improved educational quality, expanded employment opportunities, social protection, and support for youth entrepreneurship. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires coordinated action by government, educational institutions, employers, and civil society. Effective and inclusive interventions can strengthen young people’s economic participation and contribute substantially to India’s long-term social and economic progress.