The target of Viksit Bharat—Developed India, is 2047, marking 100 years of independence. It is not only about economic development by building a $30-40 trillion economy, but also about social progress, environmental sustainability, and strong governance with four targeted pillars: Youth (Yuva) empowerment, Garib (Poor) upliftment, Mahilayen (Women) participation, and Annadata (farmers) modernisation and development. It has many other dimensions, one of the most revolutionary being the youth, the backbone of the nation.
Besides economic progress, the youth carry a huge responsibility in social, political, and economic spheres. India is a youth-dominated country, with 65% of the population under 35, known as the “Amrit Peedhi”, the Nectar Generation or the Golden Generation. This means the youth have the potential to lead India towards the Viksit Bharat vision 2047.
Therefore, the responsibility lies both on the youth and the government to harness this energy. The Viksit mission aims to achieve self-reliance and independence by engaging, empowering, and expanding skilled professionals, civic leaders, and advocates for social and environmental change. Young Indians are vital architects of the nation’s development and transformation into a developed country by 2047.
Sixty-five percent of India’s population is youth, constituting nearly half of the nation. Under the Viksit Bharat mission, 2.3 lakh startups led by young entrepreneurs are pioneering advancements in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, space technology, green energy, and digital services. There are specific schemes designed to engage, empower, and involve the youth as active participants.
Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY): This is a central sector scheme focused on formal job creation in urban and industrial sectors. Employers receive wage incentives of up to ₹3,000 per month for each new employee over two years, with an additional two years of incentives for manufacturing units. The scheme aims to generate over 3.5 crore jobs within two years.
Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G]: Replacing MGNREGA, this rural scheme guarantees 125 days of unskilled wage employment per rural household annually. It provides wages starting at ₹300 per day and focuses on combining employment with community infrastructure development.
The role of youth in fulfilling the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047 is not only to be engaged and independent but also to bridge the gap between the unemployed and employed. Our young workforce faces a mismatch between education and industry requirements. Therefore, it is necessary to build a robust system that can harness the potential of youth without such mismatches. Through schemes like the Skill India Mission, youth receive vocational training and skill enhancement, enabling them to meet the evolving demands of the job market. This focus on skill-building prepares young professionals to compete globally and contribute effectively to India’s economic growth.
Primarily, the urgent need is to engage and empower the youth through new schemes and initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, and platforms like MY Bharat encourage civic participation and leadership among youth, fostering a generation that is socially conscious and politically aware. This engagement ensures that development is inclusive and addresses the needs of all sections of society.
The involvement of youth in policymaking has helped build transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric systems. By contributing ideas and holding institutions accountable, young citizens help shape policies that respond to contemporary challenges. Their energy and fresh perspectives are essential for promoting good governance, an integral pillar of the Viksit Bharat vision.
Viksit Bharat is not for providing jobs, creation of jobs but employment generations with economic opportunities. Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) and related employment guarantee schemes are designed to create millions of jobs across rural and urban sectors, directly benefiting young job seekers. With a special focus on manufacturing, digital services, and emerging industries, these programs incentivise employers to hire and train youth, providing wage support and formalising employment. This structured approach not only reduces unemployment but also ensures social security and skill enhancement for young workers.
Viksit Bharat’s emphasis on skill development equips youth with the competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy. Training in digital literacy, advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and entrepreneurship prepares them to take on leadership roles in innovative industries. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the initiative empowers youth to become skilled professionals capable of driving India’s growth.
The government’s support through incubation centres, mentorship programs, and access to finance encourages young entrepreneurs to launch startups and scale innovations. This entrepreneurial ecosystem nurtures creativity and self-reliance, aligning with the broader goal of making India a global manufacturing and technology hub. By fostering a culture of innovation, Viksit Bharat enables youth to contribute to economic diversification and job creation.
Recognizing that equitable development is key to a developed nation, Viksit Bharat incorporates measures to ensure youth from marginalized communities and women have equal participation in economic activities. The focus on social inclusion, gender empowerment, and regional balance ensures that the benefits of growth reach all young citizens, helping to reduce inequalities and build a cohesive society.
Digital India initiatives under the Viksit Bharat umbrella enhance internet access, digital literacy, and e-governance, opening new avenues for youth engagement and employment. Young people gain access to information, government services, and digital marketplaces, enabling them to participate fully in the digital economy. This connectivity is vital for expanding opportunities, especially in remote and underserved areas.
The success of the Viksit Bharat mission depends on a strong partnership between the youth and the government. While young Indians are called upon to lead with innovation, skill, and civic responsibility, the government plays a crucial role in providing enabling policies, infrastructure, and platforms for growth. Programs like the Youth Empowerment Program and Viksit Bharat Ambassador – Yuva Connect foster engagement, leadership development, and active participation in nation-building efforts.
India’s youth hold the key to realizing the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047. Their energy, creativity, and commitment are indispensable in driving economic transformation, social progress, and environmental sustainability.
Through targeted employment schemes, skill development programs, and inclusive policies, the Viksit Bharat mission empowers youth to take charge of their future and the nation’s destiny. As active participants and leaders, they will shape India’s journey towards becoming a prosperous, equitable, and developed country by 2047—fulfilling the vision of a stronger, self-reliant, and vibrant India.
(The Author is a columnist and can be reached at: [email protected])
