8.7 Crore Indians Out of Education, Work: NITI Aayog Report

An estimated 8.7 crore Indians are currently outside the realms of education, employment, or training, a significant finding from NITI Aayog. The report highlights that a substantial 88% of this demographic is primarily occupied with domestic duties, pointing to a persistent challenge in workforce participation.

This data, derived from the 2021 National Sample Survey, suggests issues beyond mere unemployment. It specifically indicates barriers in accessing adequate education, training, and viable job opportunities across the country.

Key Workforce Participation Figures

• Total individuals not in education, employment, or training: 8.7 crore
• Percentage engaged in domestic duties: 88%
• Data source: 2021 National Sample Survey
• Citizens covered by new skilling framework: Approximately 60 crore
• Government allocation to Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for FY27: Rs 600 crore

In response to these challenges, NITI Aayog’s report, titled ‘Reimagining Skilling for Viksit Bharat@2047’, proposes a transformative new skilling framework for India. This framework aims to fundamentally shift the approach from a rigid school-to-job progression to a more adaptable, lifelong skilling model.

NITI Aayog’s Skilling Framework Explained

The proposed framework emphasizes enabling individuals to move with greater flexibility between various stages of education, training, and employment throughout their lives. It acknowledges the diverse needs of the population by identifying five distinct learner groups.

• These groups encompass about 60 crore citizens, including current students and tertiary education participants.
• The framework also targets formal and informal workers, individuals presently outside education or employment, and women.
• It prioritizes non-linear learning pathways, continuous lifelong skilling, and outcome-based measurement focused on direct employability and career advancement.

Successful implementation of this comprehensive framework hinges significantly on the active involvement of states. Their role is crucial in aligning skilling initiatives with the specific demands and dynamics of local labor markets.

Further supporting these efforts, the government has committed Rs 600 crore to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for the fiscal year 2027. This allocation is designated for an Integrated Scheme in Skilling Architecture, with pilot programs already underway in several states to test and refine the new approach.