Youth in India - Labour Market Performance and Emerging Challenges

This book provides an overview of youth labour force and workforce participation in India and explores the dynamics of changing youth labour market in India. Despite notifying a demographic dividend phase, a significant share of youth witnessed higher exclusion (unemployment and not in employment, education or training) from the Indian labour market. Therefore, this book investigates the role of education in labour market and examines open unemployment. It conceptualizes the not-in-employment-education-or-training (NEET) status of youth in Indian context and explores the heterogeneity of NEET youth by analysing the push and pull role of demographic and socio-economic variables. Furthermore, this book examines the nexus of youth labour market status and economic growth in India to provide plausible recommendations for youth's higher, inclusive and sustained participation in the labour market and the country's development pathway. The book creates room for necessary policy interventions considering the changing dynamics of youth labour market and contemplating the challenges of skill, technology and Industry 4.0., which entails a higher emphasis on 're-shape', 're-focus' and 're-share' for enhanced and sustained inclusion of youth in labour market. It is a necessary resource for students, researchers, policymakers, and industry partners interested in exploring and understanding the political economy of youth labour market in India.



Nitin Bisht is Assistant Professor of Economics, Department of Humanities and Liberal Arts, DIT University, Dehradun, India. He also holds the position of co-coordinator for the Asia Pacific Regional Network (APRN) of the Human Development & Capability Association (HDCA), Brewster, USA. With a PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, his research focuses on the political economy of youth, labor economics, and development economics. Dr. Bisht's interdisciplinary approach to scholarship is deeply rooted in his diverse educational background and work experiences. Prior to his academic career, he gained invaluable experience with esteemed international and national development agencies such as The World Bank, USAID, Plan International (India Chapter), Uttarakhand Decentralized Watershed Development, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Uttarakhand), and grassroots FNGOs. With his multifaceted expertise and unwavering dedication, Dr. Bisht contributes significantly to academia and development by advancing knowledge and promoting positive change in the realm of youth labor and economic development in India.

Falguni Pattanaik is Associate Professor at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, India. With extensive knowledge in the field of labor and development, he brings a wealth of experience to his role. Dr. Pattanaik's academic endeavours include teaching graduate and postgraduate courses on labor economics and macroeconomics. As a dedicated researcher, he focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of macroeconomics in relation to labor and development, specifically examining issues concerning growth, employment, and poverty. His valuable contributions have been published in esteemed national and international journals specializing in these fields. Additionally, he actively engages in institutional and government-sponsored projects, leveraging his expertise as an expert consultant. His contribution extends further as an independent reviewer and esteemed member of the editorial teams for various national and international journals.