Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.

India is currently in a favorable position to harness the benefits of a demographic dividend, an opportunity that arises when a country’s working-age population (15–64 years) is larger than its dependent population. This phase offers a unique potential for economic growth as a significant portion of the population can contribute productively to the economy, leading to higher savings, investment, and, ultimately, accelerated development. However, the demographic dividend is not an automatic advantage; it requires strategic investment in education, healthcare, and employment generation to transform this population into a skilled and healthy workforce.

Education is one of the foremost areas that requires attention. With nearly half of India's population under 25, there is an urgent need to equip youth with skills that match market demands. Investments in vocational training, digital literacy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education will enable India’s youth to participate in high-growth sectors, such as technology, manufacturing, and services. Moreover, a focus on innovation and research is essential to cultivate an environment that promotes entrepreneurship, thereby creating more job opportunities.

Healthcare is another critical area. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and hence, access to quality healthcare services is crucial. Addressing challenges such as malnutrition, maternal health, and communicable diseases can reduce healthcare burdens and increase workforce productivity.

Also, creating job opportunities is vital. India needs to generate millions of jobs annually to absorb its growing workforce. This can be achieved by promoting sectors like manufacturing and digital services and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are often significant employment drivers.

One may argue that the demographic dividend presents India with an extraordinary economic opportunity. However, the key to unlocking this potential lies in effective policy planning, targeted investments, and fostering an inclusive economic environment. If properly managed, India’s young and dynamic population could propel the nation toward rapid economic development, potentially transforming it into a global powerhouse.

Questions:

1. What is the demographic dividend, and why is it significant for India?

2. Explain the role of education in realizing the demographic dividend for India.

3. How does healthcare impact the potential of a productive workforce?

4. Why is job creation essential in leveraging India's demographic dividend?

5. What could be the potential outcome if India successfully harnesses its demographic dividend?

Q1 b) Pick out words from the passage which mean the same as the following:  i. Potential

ii. Increased

iii. Urgent

iv. Productive

v. Crucial

Q1c) What have you learnt in the passage above about demographic dividend?

1. What is the demographic dividend, and why is it significant for India? The demographic dividend refers to a phase when a country’s working-age population (15–64 years) is larger than its dependent population (children and elderly). This is significant for India because it offers a unique opportunity for economic growth, as a larger portion of the population can contribute to the economy, leading to higher savings, investment, and accelerated development. To fully benefit from this dividend, strategic investments in education, healthcare, and employment are necessary.

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