Human Development and Sustainable Development: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Indian Economy)

Explanation

Demographic dividend refers to the potential economic boost a country can experience when it has a higher proportion of working-age people relative to non-working de-pendents, provided there are sufficient jobs and investments in health, education, and skills.

Option (a) is correct: To fully benefit from the demographic dividend, India must ensure its young and growing workforce is equipped with the right skills and training. A skilled workforce increases productivity, drives economic growth, and makes the most of the working-age population before it begins to age.

Option (b) is incorrect: While social security schemes improve welfare and reduce poverty, they do not directly enhance the productivity or employability of the workforce, which is essential to harness the demographic dividend.

Option (c) is incorrect: Lowering infant mortality is crucial for improving public health and quality of life, but it doesn’t directly impact the current working-age population’s productivity, which is key to leveraging the demographic dividend.

Option (d) is incorrect: Privatizing higher education might improve access and quality in some cases, but without widespread, affordable, and inclusive education and vocational training, it won’t address the broader need for skill development across the population.