Daily Current Affairs : 18-August-2023
The recent release of the Lokniti-CSDS survey findings has shed light on the concerns and viewpoints of Indian youth aged 15 to 34. The survey reveals that more than one-third of this demographic, which constitutes a significant portion of the population, perceives unemployment as the foremost issue plaguing the nation. This essay delves into the key insights provided by the survey, highlighting the youth’s perception of challenges facing the country and their aspirations in terms of employment.
Identifying Core Issues
The survey results underline that a substantial 36% of young Indians view unemployment as the most pressing problem for the nation. This statistic is indicative of the substantial importance the youth places on the economy-related challenges. Poverty follows as a concern for about 16% of respondents, while inflation is identified by 13%. These findings strongly suggest that the younger generation identifies economic hurdles as the most significant ones for the country.
Escalating Concerns over Unemployment
Comparing the current survey with a similar one conducted in 2016, a notable increase of 18 percentage points in the number of youth recognizing unemployment as the primary challenge is observed. This escalation also applies to concerns about rising prices, which have gained 7 percentage points in terms of recognition. The gravity of unemployment resonates across different economic strata, particularly among the middle-class youth, where this issue is most pronounced. A striking 40% of highly educated respondents, holding degrees of graduate level and above, identify unemployment as the most critical problem.
Gender and Economic Dynamics
The gender divide comes to light in these survey results. 42% of men consider unemployment as the most significant challenge, whereas the corresponding figure for young women stands at 31%. Poverty and price rise emerge as more prominent issues for youth hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Interestingly, a larger proportion of women, irrespective of their economic class, express concerns about rising prices and poverty.
Occupational Diversity
Almost half of the surveyed youth (49%) reported being engaged in some form of work. Within this segment, 23% were self-employed, while 16% held professional positions such as doctors or engineers. Agricultural involvement stood at 15%, and semi-skilled and skilled laborers constituted 27% of the total. Surprisingly, only 6% were employed in government jobs, signifying the prevalence of diverse job options.
Dreams and Aspirations
When questioned about their ideal occupations, should they have the freedom to choose, nearly 16% of the youth expressed a desire to work in the health sector, including roles like doctors, nurses, and medical staff. Education came second with 14%, followed by science and technology-related jobs, as well as entrepreneurship, each at 10%. A mere 2% of respondents wished to continue in their current jobs, indicating a substantial appetite for change.
Government Jobs vs. Private Ventures
Given the choice between a government job, a private job, or starting their own business, three out of five respondents favored government employment, while over a quarter opted for entrepreneurship. This inclination towards entrepreneurship has steadily grown over the years, rising from 16% in 2007 to 27% in 2023.
Important Points:
Youth Perspective on India’s Challenges: Unemployment Takes Center Stage
- Lokniti-CSDS survey reveals insights into Indian youth’s concerns and viewpoints.
- More than one-third (36%) of Indians aged 15 to 34 see unemployment as the top national challenge.
- Economic challenges, including poverty (16%) and inflation (13%), are also significant concerns for the youth.
- Survey highlights the youth’s focus on economic issues as the most crucial for the nation.
Escalating Concerns over Unemployment
- Comparing 2016 and current surveys, youth identifying unemployment as the primary challenge increased by 18 percentage points.
- Rising prices also gained recognition, up by 7 percentage points.
- Middle-class youth exhibit pronounced concerns about unemployment.
- Highly educated respondents (graduate and above) designate unemployment as a critical problem (40%).
Gender and Economic Dynamics
- Men (42%) express higher concern about unemployment than women (31%).
- Poverty and rising prices are more prominent for economically disadvantaged youth.
- Women, across economic classes, show greater worries about prices and poverty.
Occupational Diversity
- Nearly half (49%) of surveyed youth are engaged in work.
- Self-employment (23%) and professional roles (16%) are common among employed youth.
- Agriculture involvement stands at 15%, while skilled and semi-skilled workers comprise 27%.
- Government jobs are held by only 6% of respondents.
Dreams and Aspirations
- Around 16% of youth prefer health sector jobs (doctors, nurses, etc.) as their ideal occupation.
- Education (14%) and science/tech-related jobs (10%) are also preferred.
- Entrepreneurship and starting businesses are desired by 10%.
- Mere 2% want to continue in their current jobs.
Government Jobs vs. Private Ventures
- Three out of five youth prefer government jobs, while over a quarter opt for entrepreneurship.
- Entrepreneurial preference increased steadily from 16% (2007) to 27% (2023).
Why In News
The recently unveiled results of the Lokniti-CSDS (Centre for the Study of Developing Societies) survey provide valuable insights into the prevailing societal trends. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics within our developing communities.
MCQs about Insights from Lokniti-CSDS Survey
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What is the primary concern of Indian youth according to the Lokniti-CSDS survey?
A) Inflation
B) Poverty
C) Corruption
D) Unemployment
-
Which demographic group shows a more pronounced concern about unemployment?
A) Highly educated individuals
B) Non-literate individuals
C) Middle-class youth
D) Women
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Which sector do most of the surveyed youth prefer for their ideal occupation?
A) Education
B) Technology
C) Agriculture
D) Health
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What trend has been observed in the preference for entrepreneurship among Indian youth over the years?
A) Declining preference
B) No change
C) Fluctuating preference
D) Increasing preference
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