Youth Power, An Electoral Force Still In The Making, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• India possesses the world's largest youth population, with 65% of its nearly 1.5 billion people below 35 years of age.
• Approximately 23% of the country's electorate falls within the 18-29 age group.
• Government initiatives such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the proposed National Youth Policy 2026 aim to foster youth development.
• A NITI Aayog report highlights that 8.7 crore individuals aged 15-29 are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
• Despite political efforts to engage them, the youth vote has not yet consolidated into a distinct electoral bloc, often being influenced by traditional factors like caste and community.

Detailed Insights:

• Political parties are increasingly adapting their communication strategies for digital platforms and campuses to engage with Generation Z (14-29 years) and Generation A (born after 2010).
• The NEP 2020 focuses on promoting quality learning, innovation, and empowerment, while the National Youth Policy 2026 aims to prepare young people for the digital age.
• The significant number of NEET individuals underscores a persistent challenge in bridging the gap between formal education and viable job opportunities.
• Historically, electoral outcomes in India have been shaped more by factors such as community, caste, and gender identity, rather than a unified youth agenda.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) actively conducts electoral literacy campaigns in educational institutions to encourage informed participation among young voters.
• Upcoming state elections will serve as a crucial test to determine if recent youth activism translates into a discernible political preference or increased youth candidature.
• The government's vision for Developed India by 2047 regards the youth as the Amrit Peedhi, signifying their pivotal role in national progress.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Generation Z: Individuals born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, known for being digital natives.
• Generation A: Individuals born after 2010, representing the demographic cohort succeeding Generation Z.
• Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET): A demographic classification for young people who are neither engaged in schooling, employment, nor vocational training.
• Amrit Peedhi: A term used to describe the youth as the "generation of nectar," emphasizing their potential and importance for India's future.