Why India's Youth Are Protesting: Unemployment and Education Funding Decline

Thousands of young Indians have gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, protesting against repeated paper leaks in competitive examinations and demanding action on unemployment and education reform. The protests have drawn attention to broader grievances that extend beyond exam irregularities.

India is often described as a young nation with a demographic dividend. The working-age population (15-64 years) forms a growing share of the total population, theoretically offering a large workforce that can drive economic growth. However, the benefits of this dividend are not automatic. High youth unemployment indicates that the economy is not generating sufficient jobs for those entering the labour market.

Data from the National Sample Survey and other official sources suggest that the unemployment rate among youth aged 15-29 is about three times the overall national unemployment rate. The situation is worse for women, with unemployment among young women nearly four times the national average. Urban women face the highest hurdles, with roughly one in five unable to secure employment despite actively seeking work.

Interestingly, unemployment in India increases with education. Graduates and post-graduates face higher unemployment rates than those with less schooling. This pattern points to a demand-side problem: the economy is not creating enough suitable jobs for educated workers. This could be due to a mismatch between skills and job requirements, but the overall scarcity of employment opportunities remains a primary factor.

Beyond job shortage, access to quality education is becoming increasingly difficult. Government spending on education as a percentage of GDP has declined over the past decade. The National Education Policy 2020 recommended increasing education expenditure, but budget allocations have trended in the opposite direction. In the most recent union budget, the share of education in total government spending fell further. Actual spending on education also fell short of the budgeted figure by ₹6,701 crore.

The decline in education funding constrains the expansion of educational institutions and capacities. With a rising number of applicants due to the demographic dividend, the number of available seats has not kept pace. This limits opportunities for higher education, especially for students from economically weaker sections.

The government has highlighted initiatives like Skill India, the New Education Policy, and various employment schemes as efforts to improve employability and job creation. It has also taken steps to address exam irregularities, including the formation of a task force to overhaul the examination system. However, protestors argue that these measures have not been accompanied by adequate funding or systemic reform.

The protests have also led to political repercussions. A union minister resigned amid the controversy, and on his return to Parliament, he received a warm welcome from ruling party members. This has raised questions about the government's response to the protesters' demands and the seriousness with which the grievances are being taken.

Economists and policy experts point out that the challenge of youth unemployment is complex and requires a multi-pronged approach. Job creation in formal sectors, investment in labour-intensive industries, skilling programs aligned with market needs, and increased public spending on education and health are essential components. The demographic dividend can become a demographic disaster if the youth remain unemployed and unskilled.

The ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar are a reminder that the voices of the young cannot be ignored. The government's commitment to addressing these issues will be tested in the coming months. Observers suggest that without concrete policy actions, unrest among the youth may continue to grow.