Answer

Introduction

Recent youth protests in Europe and unrest in India over job scams and paper leaks reflect an atmosphere of distrust and frustration. Unlike the post-independence era of optimism, today’s youth face insecurity and cut-throat competition. This shift demands a critical look at their socio-political challenges.

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Changing socio-political landscape: Post-independence vs 21st century

• Ethos of sacrifice vs culture of accumulation: Early independence leaders embodied integrity and service; today’s politics is often associated with materialism, nepotism, and corruption.
  Eg: Leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri lived with simplicity, while recent cases such as electoral bond opacity highlight the money-politics nexus.
• Institutional trust vs distrust: Earlier, recruitment bodies and public institutions were trusted; now scandals like paper leaks and job-for-favour erode faith in fairness.
• Youth movements with integrity vs disillusionment: Movements like Jai Prakash Narayan’s Movement (JP Movement) and Assam Agitation mobilised youth idealism; today, many youth see leadership as opportunistic.
• Opportunities vs brutal competition: Jobs were abundant and meritocratic in the 1950s–60s; now, structural unemployment and coaching-driven exams create stress, inequity, and despair
• Globalisation and migration challenges: Unlike the optimism of post-independence years, today’s youth must navigate demographic pressures, immigration-linked tensions, and globalised competition.

Similarities in the socio-political landscape

• Youth as agents of change: Both periods saw youth leading social and political movements like JP’s Movement in the 1970s and present-day protests on unemployment and climate issues.
• Restlessness with status quo: Then and now, youth displayed impatience with corruption, inequality, and unresponsive governance.
  
• Centrality in nation-building: In both eras, policymakers emphasised youth as the backbone of development.
• Exposure to global trends: Post-independence students were inspired by global freedom struggles, while today’s youth are shaped by globalisation and digital interconnectivity.

Challenges faced by youth in present socio-political order

• Unemployment and job insecurity: Rising educated unemployment leads to restlessness, gig-economy precarity, and migration pressures.
  Eg: Recent data from CMIE shows a much higher state of joblessness. As many as 44.5% of Indians aged in the 20–24 bracket are unemployed.
• Erosion of moral-political leadership: Decline in value-based leadership creates distrust and apathy among youth.
• Institutional inefficiencies: Paper leaks, delays in recruitment, and corruption breed disillusionment with governance.
  Eg: NEET-UG 2024 paper leak controversy undermined faith of lakhs of aspirants.
• Social fragmentation and identity politics: Polarisation, communal rhetoric, and demographic anxieties strain social cohesion.
• Mental health and uncertainty: Brutal competition, uncertainty about the future, and lack of supportive forums aggravate psychological distress among young people.
  

Measures to channel youth potential for nation-building

• Revive integrity-driven leadership: Promote ethical politics through reforms like transparency in funding, stricter anti-corruption laws, and mentorship models rooted in values.
• Strengthen institutions and recruitment systems: Ensure transparent, technology-driven, leak-proof exam systems to restore faith in meritocracy.
  Eg: Digital platforms like DigiLocker and CBT-based exams in SSC/RRB improve transparency but require strict enforcement.
• Expand opportunities through skilling and entrepreneurship: Focus on lifelong learning, NEP 2020, Atal Innovation Mission, and start-up ecosystems to convert job-seekers into job-givers.
  Eg: India became the 3rd largest startup ecosystem (2023), creating jobs for youth in fintech, edtech, and AI.
• Platforms for youth participation: Institutionalise youth parliaments, participatory local governance, and civic forums to channel energy into democratic dialogue.
• Cultivate holistic development: Prioritise mental health support, sports, cultural exchange, and One-Health-like integrated approaches for resilient, balanced youth development.
  Eg: Khelo India and FIT India Movement encourage sports culture alongside academics.

Conclusion

Youth potential can be channelled through clean institutions, fair opportunities, and civic empowerment. Innovation and democratic participation should guide policies. With these reforms, the young can drive inclusive and resilient nation-building.

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