By – Gunika Razdan

“Skill development and employment are essential needs in India. Our government is continuously working in this direction.” -Prime Minister Narendra Modi

In the year 2024, various contemporary government initiatives were put into place to  uplift the youth and provide them with opportunities for growth and development.  These initiatives aimed to address the challenges faced by the younger population and  equip them with the skills and resources necessary to navigate an increasingly complex  and competitive world. 

The United Nations defined the age group of the youth internationally and agreed upon the definition of ‘youth’ as those persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years  without prejudice to any other definitions made by Member States. For the Indian subcontinent, as per the National Youth Policy-2014, ‘youth’ was defined as a person between 15 and 29 years of age. The young generation possesses great potential, ideas, and aspirations that could determine the future of a nation. Hence, these policies not only intend to provide opportunities and resources for the young but also an environment which can help them grow and give their best for the betterment of their world.

The investment in youth has two benefits: it benefits them and secures the sustainability of economic, social, and political systems by equipping the next generation to take forward the legacy of society. Quality education, vocational training, and skill-building programs will equip young people with the tools necessary to contribute to economic growth. Affordable healthcare and mental well-being initiatives will ensure a healthy and productive workforce.Moreover, youth empowerment requires creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Governments must encourage youth participation in decision-making, respect their opinions, and engage them in community development. Addressing societal barriers like discrimination and inequality is also vital to their progress.

The Scope and Nature of Youth-Centric Programs

These youth-oriented programs are of pivotal importance for all-rounded development and contribution to the benefit of society. The programs work to cater for a wide array of needs and challenges, which then ensure the skills, knowledge, and opportunities will be there for young people’s personal growth. Education plays an absolutely foundational role in these as a means to guarantee proper academic development and essential skills that could position young people well for greater success in life.

It encompasses education-oriented initiatives such as scholarship and tuition grants, mentoring programs, and education institutions’ support toward developing cognitive abilities, cultivating intellectual capabilities, and equipping youth with education for higher studies and professional career building. In addition to education, skill development programs help bridge the gap between academic learning and employment. They provide vocational training, entrepreneurship development, and career guidance, as well as enhancing soft skills in terms of communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. This gives young individuals relevant competencies and makes them self-reliant contributors to economic growth.

Such initiatives are complemented by social welfare programs that directly address the socio-economic challenges among young people in the form of poverty, mental health, substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, and homelessness. Counseling, rehabilitation, awareness campaigns, and community outreach are just some of the ways through which these initiatives aim to improve general well-being and social integration. Youth-oriented programs work together, bringing in stakeholders from governmental institutions, non-profit organizations, schools, and the private sector to design and deliver these programs. This fluid and diversified approach allows such programs to be tailored in response to particular needs and aspirations of young people.

Such programs encourage personal development and resilience, as they empower towards participatory civic life, towards inclusive societies, and prepare them for a fast-changing world.

Key Objectives of Youth Upliftment Programs

These are the key objectives of the youth upliftment programs that find expression through breaking the cycle of poverty and unemployment, something that needs to be tackled multi-dimensionally through adequate education and skill development opportunities for every single youth. Quality education and employment are something that sets the basis of a just and equal society.

Further, vocational training, internships, and mentorship programs provide the much-needed impetus for employability. Entrepreneurship and innovation are nurtured to equip young people to drive sustainable economic growth. Equally important is promotion of all categories of society, removing barriers in any form based on social constraints, so every individual has the opportunity to shine. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment encourages youth to actively participate in social and economic development, while civic engagement empowers them to contribute to decision-making processes that shape their future. Addressing social issues such as violence, drug abuse, and discrimination through targeted interventions and awareness campaigns helps create safer communities.

Furthermore, promoting mental health and providing access to counselling and support services ensures the psychosocial well-being of young people. Equipping youth with adaptive skills prepares them for rapid socio-economic changes, building resilient communities that embrace diversity and foster social cohesion. By engaging youth as active participants and agents of positive change, societies can unlock their immense potential to shape a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Previously, there was no national youth policy in India till 1987. However, youth has always been a concern of the Government of India. Various youth development programs undertaken by the Union Government after Independence, like National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and the schemes for financial assistance to NGOs engaged in youth development bear ample testimony to this fact. With the adoption of the International Year of Youth in 1985, a separate Department of Youth Affairs and Sports was created in Government of India. This Department took initiative to formulate a National Youth Policy. [1]A comprehensive National Youth Policy was then evolved and laid on the Table of both houses of Parliament in November- December, 1988 and adopted by the Government. Further in the current society there are many initiatives taken up for the youth like the schemes mentioned below-

Educational Initiatives

To that end, the government is working hard to ease the access of higher education and research for youths all over the country. It will expand the intake of international research material aimed at fostering innovation and learning, especially in underserved areas. Financial support mechanisms have eased the path to higher education by offering loans and assistance to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It is a part of the overall youth empowerment plan so that they do well at both educational and professional levels and contribute to the growth of the nation. This can be directly seen in the schemes mentioned below-

One Nation One Subscription and PRERANA Program[2]

The Union Cabinet has approved the “One Nation One Subscription” (ONOS) scheme, providing nationwide access to international research articles and journals for students, faculty, and researchers at government higher education institutions and R&D labs. Allocating ₹6,000 crore for 2025-2027, ONOS aims to foster research, innovation, and development, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020 and India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. [3]Through INFLIBNET, the initiative will offer access to nearly 13,000 e-journals, benefiting 1.8 crore individuals, including those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, and promoting interdisciplinary research.

PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme for Affordable Education[4]

The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme to provide financial assistance to meritorious students, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder their access to quality higher education. The scheme offers collateral and guarantor-free education loans for tuition and other expenses at top-ranked institutions, including government and private universities listed in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). With ₹3,600 crore allocated from 2024-2031, students with annual family incomes up to ₹8 lakh will receive 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakh, benefiting one lakh students annually. A simple, digital application process will streamline access, and students will also get a 75% credit guarantee on loans up to ₹7.5 lakh. PM Vidyalaxmi enhances existing education support schemes and aims to ensure broader access to higher education across India.

Skill Development and Training

Ministry of Youth Affairs launched a series of skill development programs to increase the employability quotient among young minds. Technical skills, soft skills, and entrepreneurship skills are covered. The government encourages cooperation with private industries in such a manner that the trainings given under these schemes are relevant to emerging demands in the employment market and prepares youth for potential job opportunities. A few are mentioned below-

Model Skill Loan Scheme[5]

The revised Model Skill Loan Scheme, launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, aims to provide financial access for advanced skilling courses, empowering Indian youth for a future-ready workforce. The scheme addresses financial barriers by offering collateral-free loans up to ₹7.5 lakh, with a 75% credit guarantee. NBFCs, Micro Finance Institutions, and Small Finance Banks are now eligible lenders under the scheme, fostering broader accessibility.

Shri Chaudhary emphasized the scheme’s alignment with rapid technological and societal changes, targeting India’s strategic vision for 2047. The initiative enables youth to pursue industry-relevant courses in fields like healthcare, IT, AI, digital marketing, and drone technology, offering significant placement opportunities and global mobility.[6]

Building on the 2015 Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, this reform ensures uninterrupted credit flow to low-income aspirants, strengthening India’s skill development ecosystem and addressing the demand for a highly skilled workforce.

PM Internship Scheme 2024[7]

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, launched on October 3, 2024, aims to provide one crore young Indians with valuable internship opportunities over five years. It targets youth aged 21 to 24 who are not employed full-time or in full-time education, offering internships in 24 sectors, including oil, energy, hospitality, and banking. A pilot program for 1.25 lakh internships has started for the financial year 2024-25. The scheme focuses on skill development and enhancing employability, distinct from existing skill development and student programs. Interns will receive a stipend of ₹5,000, with additional support from the government. They will also be insured under government schemes. Companies are selected based on CSR expenditure, and the application process is managed through an online portal. The initiative aims to empower youth by offering real-world exposure, fostering skills for future growth, and promoting diversity and social inclusivity.

Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme (PMSS)[8]

The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), introduced in 2006, supports the education of widows and wards of deceased or ex-service personnel of the Armed Forces. Funded by the National Defence Fund, it provides scholarships for technical education at approved institutions in fields like medical, engineering, MBA, and MCA. Annually, 5,500 scholarships are awarded, with increased amounts starting from FY 2019-20—₹2,500 for boys and ₹3,000 for girls. Payments are made through ECS. The scheme transitioned to an online platform in 2016-17, benefiting a total of 5,500 students each year, with 2,750 scholarships for boys and girls respectively.

Lakhpati Didi Scheme [9]

The Lakhpati Didi scheme aids in youth development by providing opportunities for skill development, financial independence, and entrepreneurship. It supports youth, particularly in rural areas, by offering training in diverse livelihood activities, such as agriculture, small businesses, and service sectors. With financial support through loans and revolving funds, the scheme enables youth to start and scale businesses, creating sustainable income sources. The initiative also emphasizes financial literacy, helping youth manage resources effectively. Additionally, through mentorship, training programs, and exposure visits, youth gain practical knowledge to thrive in various sectors. The integration of digital tools, like the Digital Aajeevika Register, facilitates tracking income and progress, ensuring transparency and accountability. Overall, the scheme fosters self-reliance, enhances employability, and reduces unemployment, contributing to the holistic development of youth in rural India.

Social Welfare Campaigns for Youth Empowerment

These include government and state-level initiatives towards socio-economic development through various targeted programs. These include child marriage-free campaigns, girl education, improved youth infrastructure, entrepreneur financial support, and job provision. These key areas of focus—education, skill development, healthcare, and entrepreneurship—are directed at uplifting the youth, decreasing societal challenges, and contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future for the nation. These will coincide with larger national objectives regarding inclusive growth and empowerment.

Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Addressing Child Marriage[10]

On November 27, 2024, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, launched the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” campaign in New Delhi to combat child marriage and empower young girls. She emphasized that this campaign is a mission to eradicate child marriage and ensure every girl receives education, health, and protection. The campaign introduced the Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal, enabling citizens to report incidents and access resources. Smt. Devi highlighted India’s progress in reducing child marriage and improving the sex ratio. The initiative aligns with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, advocating collective action to secure every girl’s future.

Year of Youth in Arunachal Pradesh[11]

In the 2024-25 budget, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has allocated Rs 2139 crore for education, focusing on infrastructure, fee waivers, and other initiatives. Additionally, Rs 100 crore will be invested in youth empowerment across health, education, skill development, tourism, and sports. The state aims to boost educational infrastructure, healthcare services, and environmental conservation, while fostering tourism and entrepreneurship for economic growth. These targeted efforts at the state level complement national initiatives, contributing to a collective nationwide drive for empowerment, economic development, and sustainable progress.

Uttar Pradesh’s Youth Employment Drive[12]

The Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan, launched by Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on January 24, 2024, aims to create 1 lakh jobs annually, benefiting 10 lakh youth over the next decade. The program provides interest-free, guarantee-free loans to young entrepreneurs aged 21 to 40 with at least Class 8 education and skill training. This initiative supports self-reliance, with an online portal offering resources like business ideas, project reports, and expert guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. The program ensures transparent loan processing and real-time updates via SMS.

Challenges in Implementation

The government initiatives for youth are challenging in terms of accessibility, outreach, and impact, because these programs intend to empower the huge and expanding population of the country’s youth. Despite several education, skill development, and social welfare programs, the initiatives of the government reach the most marginalized youth living in rural or remote areas only superficially. Infrastructural deficiencies combined with unawareness and socio-economic inequalities fuel these problems, thus preventing considerably higher proportions of the youth from benefiting from the availability of resources such as vocational training and education loans and health services. There is a further burden resulting from missing mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the policies in place and hence fail to assess their outcome and prevent timely correction.

These problems reflect the deeper issues that India’s labor market has been experiencing. As the country sports a relatively youthful demographic, the potential demographic dividend is being contrasted to the mismatch of a significant number of new workers-around 10 million annually-versus suitable jobs for them. India’s march toward becoming more urbanized and less agrarian requires both skill and geographical mobility wherein people move from rural to urban areas for non-agricultural employment.

Some of the key indicators include an overall unemployment rate of 8 percent, which is accompanied by especially high rates of unemployment of graduates at 29 percent and of secondary or higher education at 18 percent. There exists an enormous disparity between the education system and the demands of the labor markets. For the age group of 20-24 years, unemployment reaches an alarming 44 percent. This also indicates not only poor skill alignment but a more general failure of the labor market to absorb the growing workforce. Contributing factors include the small size of many Indian firms, which limits their capacity to absorb labor, and a skill deficit, especially in the white-collar service sector. The education system is criticized for not being effective in the development of skills, which further narrows the pool of qualified workers. Reports such as ASER show that student learning problems persist.

There should be a multi-faceted strategy to improve both youth-oriented initiatives and the labor market. In the first place, technology-aided infrastructure, including digital platforms and mobile applications, would bridge the divide between urban and rural areas in terms of providing equal opportunities for all. The second strategy involves the local governing bodies and community-based organizations engaging more actively to raise awareness and encourage participation. Audits and feedback mechanisms that are conducted periodically are equally essential evaluation tools in measuring the performance and inefficiency of programs. Initiatives may be tailored for specific regional and socio-economic contexts, which would target specific needs underlined by various youth demographics. This will unlock the full potential of India’s young population and empower them to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country’s economy.

Conclusion

From these initiatives developed with youth, one also finds them to be highly impactful on society. They have offered valuable opportunities to young people for developing their skills, presenting their ideas, and participating in meaningful ways in their communities. In this respect, through mentorship, vocational training, and projects led by youth, individuals have found confidence, discovered their passions, and become capable leaders.

Continuous appraisal and improvement ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the initiatives. An assessment is often required in regularly evaluating how such programs have benefited and affected a greater number of persons, determining those areas where programs are already potent and which would require improvements. Data will thus be gathered by both the beneficiaries and the members of the community, hence preparing future strategies sensitive to the changes in aspirations as well as demands of the younger generation.

Further, it is very important to acknowledge that youth empowerment is a long-term process and cannot be done in a day or a year. As society is changing, the challenges and opportunities for young people are also changing. Hence, future strategies need to focus on adaptability and flexibility in order to be able to deal with emerging issues and provide appropriate support to youth.

References

1. Nations, United. “Youth.” United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/youth. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
2. Social Statistics Division. “Youth in India 2022.” Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 2022.
3. Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. “One Nation One Subscription (ONOS).” Principal Scientific Adviser, https://www.psa.gov.in/oneNationOneSubscription. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
4. Ministry of Eduction. Cabinet Approves One Nation One Subscription (ONOS). 2024, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077098.
5. Ministry of Education. “PRADHAN MANTRI VIDYALAXMI (PM-Vidyalaxmi) SCHEME  GUIDELINES  .” www.Education.Gov.In, 2024.
6. Ministry of Skill develeopment and entrepreneurship. Model Skill Loan Scheme Is Reform, Liberalisation Which Was Demand of the Public, Says MoS (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and MoS, Ministry of Education, Shri Jayant Choudhary. 25 July 2024,
7. PMIS Cell. “Guidelines for Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme- Pilot Project Financial year 2024-25.” Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 2024.
8. Department of Ex-serviceman Welfare. “Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare.” Government of India, https://desw.gov.in/prime-ministers-scholarship-scheme-pmss. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
9. “Skill Loan Scheme.” Goverment Of India, https://msde.gov.in/en/schemes-initiatives/Other-Schemes-and-Initiatives/Skill-Loan-Scheme. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.
10. Minister of Women and Child Development. “Campaign.” Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat, 2024, https://stopchildmarriage.wcd.gov.in/campaign.
11. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. “EMPOWERING AND NURTURING THE YUVA SHAKTI.” Press Release Bureau, Mar. 2024.
12. Ministry of Rural Development. 29 Aug. 2024, https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=152064&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1.
13. Correspondent, HT. “Self-Employment Drive Will Make U.P. Youths Self-Reliant: Yogi.” Hindustan Times, 8 Aug. 2024, https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/selfemployment-drive-will-make-u-p-youths-self-reliant-yogi-101723129253085.html.
14. “Arunachal Pradesh Budget 2024-25: Year of Youth and Aspirants.” Arunachal.MyGov.In, 31 July 2024, https://arunachal.mygov.in/group-issue/arunachal-pradesh-budget-2024-25-year-youth-and-aspirants/.
15. India, Forbes. “Unemployment Rate in India (2008 to 2024): Current Rate, Historical Trends and More.” ForbesIndia, 17 Oct. 2024, https://www.forbesindia.com/article/explainers/unemployment-rate-in-india/87441/1.
16. Ministry of Corporate Affairs. https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153275&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.