NITI Aayog Reveals One in Four Young Indians Outside Education, Employment & Training

A NITI Aayog report reveals that 8.7 crore young Indians aged 15 to 29 were outside education, employment, and training in 2021. Identified as NEET youth, this group includes those not studying, working, or undergoing training. The report, based on 2021 National Sample Survey data, highlights a weak link between education and employment, with only 8.25% of graduates employed in relevant fields. Opposition leaders criticized the government for job shortages and failing to create pathways to employment, citing high graduate unemployment and skills gaps. NITI Aayog recommended integrating skilling into school curricula, promoting vocational tracks, and increasing apprenticeships linked to local demand and emerging sectors like green industries.