Indian Youth in 21st Century:Status, Issues, and Challenges

Youth constitute about 2/5^th population of the country. Indian youth today are going through a period of uncertainty about their future leading to a sense of frustration and cynicism. Avenue for productive employment are limited and young people are getting increasingly involved in crime and other anti-social activities. It is, therefore, imperative that the agencies responsible for planning and delivering youth development programmes should address the concerns and problems of youth urgently. The forces of modernization, globalization and economic liberalization have created great opportunities for youth however; a large segment of youth is facing severe challenges in realizing the development potential and participation in development process. The National Youth Policy, 2014 has provided a plan of action which gives new direction and impetus to youth development programmes in the country. Present paper purports to examine the status, issues and challenges being faced by Indian youth.