Answer

Introduction

India’s demographic advantage rests on a tacit promise that merit, effort, and skills will enable upward mobility. When institutions fail to uphold this promise, youth aspirations can turn into frustration and distrust.

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Why It Constitutes a Breach of the ‘Social Contract’

• Merit Erosion: Examination irregularities erode faith in meritocracy by compromising key pathways of social mobility for millions of youth. 
• Delayed Mobility: Recruitment delays postpone entry into employment and financial independence.
• Job Insecurity: Economic growth without adequate quality jobs weakens confidence in upward mobility.
  Eg: Young graduates increasingly worry about finding meaningful and secure employment despite expanding educational access.
• Trust Deficit: Perceptions of unfairness reduce citizens’ trust in public institutions.
  Eg: Confidence in fairness is itself a form of national infrastructure essential for democratic legitimacy.
• Intergenerational Anxiety: Families question whether future generations will enjoy better opportunities.

Counter- Arguments

• Persistent Optimism: Youth aspirations remain strong despite institutional shortcomings..
• Partial Reality: Not all examinations and recruitments suffer systemic irregularities.
  Eg: Institutions such as the UPSC continue to command broad public trust through transparent procedures.
• Economic Complexity: Employment outcomes depend on structural economic changes beyond administrative efficiency.
  Eg: Technological change and automation increasingly reshape labour demand across sectors.
• Expanding Access: Opportunities in education and digital connectivity have improved substantially.
  Eg: Expansion of universities, coaching centres, and digital learning platforms has widened access.
• Shared Responsibility: Addressing mobility challenges requires coordinated action beyond government alone.
  Eg: Industry participation in skilling and job creation remains essential for absorbing India’s workforce.

Measures to Transform the Crisis into a Demographic Dividend

• Exam Integrity: Strengthen examination security through technology and strict accountability.
  Eg: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 seeks to curb leaks and organised cheating.
• Timely Recruitment: Establish fixed recruitment calendars and expedite appointments.
  Eg: Several government agencies have adopted annual recruitment schedules to reduce uncertainty.
• Job-Centric Growth: Evaluate policies based on their employment generation potential.
• Skill Alignment: Bridge the gap between education and labour market needs.
  Eg: The Skill India Mission (2015) aims to equip youth with industry-relevant competencies.
• Economic Security: Strengthen investments in education, health, and social protection to convert human potential into productive opportunity.

Conclusion

India’s demographic dividend is not automatic. Renewing trust in merit, expanding quality employment, and ensuring institutional fairness can transform youthful aspirations into a powerful engine of inclusive growth and democratic resilience.

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