Answer: 

Introduction:

India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest populations. As of 2023, approximately 65% of the country’s population is in the working-age group of 15-64 years, presenting a significant demographic dividend. This demographic dividend refers to the potential economic benefits that can be derived from having a large, young, and working-age population. However, this dividend can only be fully realized if the population is well-educated, adequately skilled, and employable. The Indian government has recognized this imperative and has implemented various measures to enhance the human capacity of the population.

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Some of these measures include:

• Skill development initiatives:
  • The government launched the National Skill Development Mission in 2015 to provide a cohesive strategy for skill development.
  • The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship program that aims to train millions of youth in industry-relevant skills, making them employable and promoting entrepreneurship.
• Education reforms:
  • The government has made significant strides in education reform, such as the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • The NEP emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, vocational education integration, and higher education access, equity, and quality improvements to create a well-rounded and skilled workforce.
• Make in India initiative:
  • Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub, encouraging investment, innovation, and skill development.
  • The initiative is designed to generate employment opportunities and enhance the employability of the population.
• Start-up India:
  • This initiative, launched in 2016, aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship by providing resources, financial support, and easing regulatory requirements.
  • By supporting start-ups, the government indirectly creates job opportunities and encourages skill development in various sectors.
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM):
  • AIM is a flagship initiative of NITI Aayog that aims to create and promote an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • It includes setting up Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and Atal Incubation Centers in higher educational institutions to promote innovation and skill development among students.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS):
  • This program was launched in 2016 to promote apprenticeship training and create industry-ready skilled workers.
  • NAPS incentivizes employers to engage apprentices and facilitates on-the-job training, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce.
• Digital India:
  • This initiative aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society by promoting digital literacy, improving internet connectivity, and developing e-governance services.
  • By enhancing digital literacy, the government seeks to create a skilled workforce capable of participating in the digital economy.

Conclusion:

These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving education, skill development, and employability of the Indian population. However, continuous efforts, effective implementation, and close monitoring are required to ensure that the demographic dividend is fully harnessed and not just a theoretical concept.

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