Building Viksit Bharat 2047: Addressing Employment and National Challenges

India’s dream of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 aligns with its aspirations of economic prosperity, national security, and human development. However, as recently highlighted by the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt General N S Raja Subramani, there are critical challenges that need immediate attention. From the lack of adequate job opportunities to unsettled borders and a lower-than-desired position in the Human Development Index (HDI), these barriers must be overcome for India to achieve a flourishing future. But what do these challenges mean for the millions of job seekers and stakeholders within India’s socio-economic ecosystem? Let’s break it down.

Why Employment Opportunities Must Take Center Stage

One of the critical points raised by Lt General Subramani is the lack of sufficient and appropriate employment opportunities in India. With its rapidly growing population, particularly a significant number of youth entering the workforce each year, India faces the pressing need for productive and inclusive job creation. Let us consider the following:

• High youth unemployment: Despite reforms and initiatives like Skill India and Make in India, unemployment among the youth remains a concerning factor. A National Statistical Office (NSO) survey from 2020 suggests that the urban youth unemployment rate exceeded 20%, a worrying statistic for a country aspiring to become a global powerhouse.
• Underemployment challenges: Beyond unemployment, underemployment—working in jobs below one’s skill level—remains a pervasive issue. This mismatch hinders both economic productivity and individual growth.

Solving this requires a robust policy framework aimed at industry development, entrepreneurship promotion, and aligning education with market demands.

Security and Unsettled Borders: A National Imperative

Another critical weakness highlighted by the Army Vice Chief includes unsettled borders—an issue directly tied to national security and regional stability. In the current geopolitical climate, tensions along India’s northern and western borders underline the necessity of strategic foresight. A secure nation further catalyzes economic stability, attracting investments and fostering growth in employment opportunities for all. Addressing these issues demands stronger focus on defense modernization and diplomacy, alongside engagement with regional and global powers.

Human Development Index: A Measure of Progress

India’s position in the Human Development Index illustrates disparities in health, education, and standard of living. Currently ranked 132 out of 191 (as per the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report for 2021–2022), this is a critical area of concern. Rapid improvement here will directly benefit job seekers through:

• Enhanced educational infrastructure tailored towards employability skills.
• Better healthcare systems, ensuring a healthier and more productive workforce.
• Improved regional parity, creating opportunities beyond major metropolitan regions.

Policy Interventions and Government Programs: What’s Being Done?

While challenges prevail, the Indian government has embarked on various transformative programs:

• Skill India and Digital India: Providing vocational training and promoting digital equality to meet the demands of the transforming job market.
• Start-Up India: Encouraging entrepreneurship to create employment opportunities across sectors.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Focusing on self-reliance through initiatives in manufacturing and technology.

While these initiatives present potential, their effective implementation and accountability will ultimately determine their success in addressing the employment crisis.

Practical Takeaways for Job Seekers

If you are currently on the job hunt, here are some actionable insights to navigate the employment landscape:

• Upskill and reskill: Explore online platforms and certifications to acquire market-relevant skills.
• Engage in entrepreneurship: Leverage government programs like Start-Up India to transform ideas into tangible ventures.
• Utilize job portals and networks: Make active use of employment platforms and career fairs to discover opportunities.
• Stay informed: Follow policy announcements and focus on emerging industries like AI, renewable energy, and healthcare.

Conclusion

India’s path towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on addressing its employment challenge, securing its borders, and enhancing its position in global development indices. As individuals, stakeholders, and citizens, our role in supporting these reforms is paramount. Through policy focus, technological advancements, and individual efforts, India can turn its vision of Viksit Bharat into reality. The road ahead is challenging, but it is only together that we can ensure inclusive and sustainable growth.

Source: For more insights on this topic, please refer to the original announcement as detailed in Business Standard.