A staggering 8.7 crore Indians aged 15 to 29 are neither studying, working nor undergoing training, exposing a deep youth skilling and employment gap that NITI Aayog says needs to be addressed through affordable training, self-employment opportunities and courses aligned with emerging sectors.
The report, developed using data from the 78th round of the National Sample Survey conducted in 2021, maps India's workforce and learners across five broad segments — school education, tertiary education, formal and informal employment, NEET youth, and women.
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NITI Aayog said NEET youth face financial constraints that often prevent them from pursuing additional training.
Students from low-income households, in particular, already bear the costs of higher education and private tuition, leaving little room for paid skilling programmes alongside their degrees.
The report noted that many graduates subsequently seek any stable source of income to support their families, even if the job is poorly paid.
Others struggle to make the transition from education to employment and eventually fall into the NEET category.
NITI Aayog also highlighted a significant gap between educational qualifications and employment outcomes, saying only 8.25 per cent of graduates are employed in roles matching their qualifications.
Limited practical exposure and inadequate industry-oriented training continue to constrain the employability of educated youth, it said.
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The Aayog recommended affordable or subsidised training for NEET youth and women, backed by targeted financial support where necessary.
For workers and NEET youth, it emphasised mid-career reskilling, self-employment opportunities and training aligned with local economic needs and emerging industries.
Since 2014-15, more than 7.67 crore people have undergone training, the report said, adding that continuous opportunities to learn, earn and advance will be critical to achieving India's Viksit Bharat 2047 ambition.
(With PTI inputs)
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