| Syllabus: GS-I, Subject: Geography, Topic: Population and Migration, Issue: Demographic Dividend. |
Context: World Bank warns South Asia, including India, failing to utilize demographic dividend.
Prime concerns:
- Job creation lags behind working-age population growth.
- India’s employment growth below average for 2000-2023, with the employment ratio declining second only to Nepal.
- Region could achieve 16% higher output growth with better employment rates.
- Weak employment trends in non-agricultural sectors due to institutional and economic challenges.
Recommendations include supporting women’s participation, increasing access to finance, trade openness, easing financial regulations, and improving education.
| Demographic dividend:
● Economic growth potential from age structure changes. ● Arises when the working-age population (15-64) exceeds dependents. ● Leads to increased productivity, savings, and investment. ● Requires employment opportunities, education, and skill development for full realization. |
