Poverty continues to be a pressing issue in India, particularly among its youth population. Although the data on poverty in India stands inconclusive, the fact that an overwhelming part of our population is still away from the mark of the middle class is not lost on those who keep a hard look at extensively researched reports and lived experiences of people.
Earning a sustainable income has proven to be a sure-shot way of escaping the cycle of poverty. Let’s understand the significance of economic opportunities for India’s youth and how they can serve as a catalyst for poverty eradication. By focusing on skill development, job creation, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, we can unlock the potential of India’s youth and empower them to secure a brighter future.
Skill Development, Training Courses and Vocational Education
Investing in skill development, training courses and vocational training programmes equip young individuals with the necessary competencies to meet the demands of the job market. By aligning these programmes with industry requirements, we enhance employability and create a pathway for youth to earn a sustainable income.
Job Creation and Formal Employment
Efforts should be made to foster an environment that promotes job creation, both in the public and private sectors. Encouraging investment, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting sectors with high growth potential can lead to a surge in employment opportunities for India’s youth.
Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment
Encouraging entrepreneurship among the youth can unlock their potential as job creators rather than job seekers. Providing access to entrepreneurial education, mentorship programs, and financial support can empower young individuals to start their own businesses, contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction.
Financial Inclusion and Access to Credit
Enhancing financial inclusion and ensuring access to credit is vital for empowering youth in their journey out of poverty. Implementing policies that promote affordable financial services, expanding microfinance initiatives, and encouraging the use of technology for financial transactions can provide youth with the tools to manage their finances and invest in income-generating activities.
Overcoming Social Barriers and Gender Inequality
Addressing social barriers and gender inequality is crucial for unlocking economic opportunities for India’s youth. Equal access to education, training, and employment opportunities should be promoted, with a particular focus on empowering young women who often face additional obstacles in accessing and sustaining decent jobs.
Sonu Sharma: A 21-year-old Making Things Work for Him
When Sonu is asked why money is important to him, he replies rather quickly, as if the answer is permanently stuck at the back of his throat. “I want us to live rent-free. Most of my friends who are from rich households have their own houses. All 5 of my family members share a one-room apartment. I want a room of my own by 2024. I want to experience the joy of privacy.”, says a very strong-willed Sonu.
Sonu Sharma, a 21-year-old young man, who lives in sector-31, Noida, Delhi NCR likes wearing white sneakers and talks fast eating up his own words at times. It seems he wants to share his side of the story without missing out on anything important.
Training Courses and Placement of Sonu
After doing Core Employability and Digital Marketing training courses from the centre at Noida of Niveda Foundation (one of the implementing partners of Smile Foundation’s livelihood programme, Smile Twin e-Learning Programme, STeP), Sonu got placed as a graphic designer with Key Solutions, Noida– a Corporate Design & Print House with a monthly income of 12,000 INR. To supplement his income, he freelances with other organisations that add anywhere between 4000-6000 INR to his monthly income.
Sonu knew poverty but experienced it quite closely when his father got unwell and he had to take up odd jobs including that of a waiter at a cafe for a few months in 2019. Without letting the embarrassment of a job profile that is looked down upon in India take over his sensibilities, Sonu did what he had to do for the survival of his family and himself.
When asked about his friends, Sonu says, “All my friends are from high-class families. They all have their own cars and do not think twice before spending any money.” Sonu’s answer opened up the questions of class differences and aspirations. “I don’t exactly know how I became a part of that group but it feels more natural for me to be a part of that world.”, shares a highly ambitious Sonu who rightly doesn’t want to water down his dreams.
Sonu is a big fan of social media influencer Rohit Zinjurke who creates lip-syncing and dance videos with a massive following of 25.9 Million followers on Instagram alone. The relatability factor runs high in the veins of Sonu who knows that Rohit Zinjurke came from difficult circumstances in life like himself. Signs of regret are visible on Sonu’s face who didn’t pursue music wholeheartedly and in his own words, “wasted some precious time” unlike his idol.
But Sonu is a realist too. He has plans to take a course in video editing to pursue a career in content creation in the near future. For now, he seems content to contribute towards the family expenses and save money for the downpayment of a home of his own.
Investment in Training Courses: A Great Intervention for the Indian Youth
By investing in skill development, training courses, creating job opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, ensuring financial inclusion, and addressing social barriers, we can empower the youth to transform their lives and contribute to the nation’s progress. It is imperative for governments, organizations, and individuals to collaborate and implement targeted interventions that prioritize economic empowerment.
Together, we can unlock the immense potential of India’s youth and pave the way for a prosperous and inclusive future, where poverty is no longer a barrier to their dreams and aspirations. Enter into a world of eradicating poverty through livelihood by making a small donation here.
