Leading Change: How Youth Centrality Can Revolutionize Indian Decision-Making
- Anezka S
- May 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 15
India is at the cusp of innovation, progress and development— all aspects that can be scaled with a unique, time-bound opportunity that India possesses. India is expected to surpass China's population and this growth is driven by our large, dynamic and young population. 65% of Indians are under 35 years old with our average age being 29 years.
While China faces challenges including a shrinking workforce with an aging population, 600 million people are aged between 18-35 in India at present. The youth population grew from 222.7 million in 1991 to 333.4 million in 2011, and it is expected to climb to 371.4 million by 2021. Naturally, the numbers will start declining to 345.5 million by 2036.
A similar look at the numbers of the Indian Parliament and decision making bodies fails to reveal the demographic dividend of India. Over the past two decades, the average age of Lok Sabha MPs has consistently remained above 50.
Going up the age pyramid, the percentage of population decreases. The opposite trend is observed in Parliament, where a higher percentage of MPs are older. Notably, the largest group of MPs, constituting 16 percent, falls within the 51-55 age bracket.
While the youth forms the backbone of economic development, a significantly untapped potential remains in taking their centrality at the decision-making forums.
India could implement programs aimed at identifying and nurturing young political leaders. Such structural interventions would guarantee more substantial youth participation in politics. Without these changes, the gap between the governance structure and its constituents may continue to grow, potentially resulting in increased distrust with the government.
Young people bring a wealth of ideas, energy, and enthusiasm, and possess the potential to achieve significant accomplishments when given the opportunity.
Importance of including the youth in decision-making
The Latin maxim "Nihil de nobis, sine nobis" translates to "nothing about us without us." It underscores the principle that policies should not be formulated without the involvement of those they impact. This concept is particularly relevant to youth-related matters in India's predominantly older Parliament, emphasizing that young people should be included in the policymaking processes that affect their lives.
1. Fresh perspective and ideas
Young Indians bring a unique viewpoint shaped by their experiences in a rapidly modernizing society, where technology and globalization play significant roles. For example, their familiarity with digital technology can drive policies that enhance digital infrastructure and education, crucial for India’s development in the technology sector.
Furthermore, young people in India are often at the forefront of movements concerning environmental sustainability and social justice—areas increasingly vital to policy-making. Integrating their ideas could lead to more progressive approaches to environmental policies and social reforms, resonating with the needs and values of a significant portion of the population. This inclusion not only makes policies more comprehensive but also strengthens democratic processes by ensuring that the voices of all age groups are heard and valued.
2. Exposure to modern challenges
Young Indians have grown up in an era marked by rapid environmental and technological changes. They are first-hand witnesses to contemporary challenges like climate change, resource depletion, ethics of using artificial intelligence etc. This direct exposure from an early age shapes a unique and intrinsic understanding of these issues. Backed by the latest academic research and scientific advancements, the youth has a unique potential to address these challenges.
This modern educational background enables them to propose solutions that are both innovative and sustainable, crucial for addressing the complexities of today's global issues. Incorporating the ideas of the youth into decision-making processes is not just beneficial but essential for crafting policies that are effective, forward-thinking, and capable of meeting the demands of both current and future challenges.
3. Continuing nation-building
Activities that focus on nation-building and skill development are crucial elements of youth engagement in India. However, there is a need to revise the goals of these initiatives to better equip the youth for active citizenship. As a relatively young nation, India’s greatest strength lies in its vast youth population, which serves as the primary driver of its development and economic progress.
Enhancing these nation-building efforts by involving young people in significant decisions is vital for strengthening India's nascent democracy. Many countries have transitioned away from democratic governance, highlighting the importance of fostering a robust democratic culture in India that extends beyond mere electoral participation. Active citizenship, encouraged through engaging youth in policy-making and public discourse, is essential. By incorporating their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, we ensure that India's policies remain relevant and effective, securing a resilient future for the nation.
Conclusion
Maximizing the potential of India's youth across various sectors, including decision-making, is essential. However, this does not equate to trading seasoned leaders for young blood. Experience is invaluable for their long tenure and is crucial in mentoring the next generation. Similar to the many other spheres of Indian society, tradition and modernity must strike a balance in decision-making too.
The real challenge lies in creating a balanced representation and power-sharing arrangement that includes both young and experienced leaders. To achieve this, it is imperative for senior politicians to adapt their roles from power holders to facilitators of change, actively participating in and supporting the integration of youth into the governance processes. This balanced approach will ensure that India leverages its demographic dividend effectively, paving the way for a future where governance is both innovative and wise.
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